WordPress isn’t just the world’s most popular website builder—it’s also one of the best platforms to make money online. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, freelancer, or entrepreneur, WordPress gives you endless ways to generate income.
With over 43% of all websites built on WordPress (source: https://w3techs.com/), the opportunity is massive.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn 10 legit ways to make money with WordPress—including real examples, earnings potential, and step-by-step strategies.
Let’s dive in and turn your website into an income-generating machine. 🚀
💰 Why WordPress Is Perfect for Making Money
WordPress is powerful because:
- It’s free and open-source
- You can build ANY kind of website (blog, store, membership site, etc.)
- It integrates with thousands of plugins
- It is beginner-friendly and highly customizable
Most importantly, you can earn multiple streams of income from a single WordPress website.
🔟 10 Legit Ways to Make Money With WordPress
Below are the top opportunities that work in 2025.
✅ 1. Start a Blog and Monetize It
Blogging remains one of the most profitable ways to make money with WordPress.
How Blogging Makes Money:
- Display ads (Google AdSense, Media.net, Ezoic)
- Affiliate marketing
- Sponsored posts
- Selling digital products
Example Niches That Earn Well:
- Personal finance
- Health & fitness
- Tech & gadgets
- Travel
- Recipes & cooking
According to Income School, many niche blogs earn $3,000–$10,000/month once established.
Steps to Start Earning:
- Choose a niche
- Publish SEO-optimized posts
- Drive traffic via Google and social media
- Monetize with ads and affiliate links
Blogging requires patience but can lead to long-term passive income.
✅ 2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to earn money with a WordPress site.
You promote other companies’ products and receive a commission for every sale.
Popular Affiliate Programs:
- Amazon Associates
- ShareASale
- Impact
- CJ Affiliate
Official reference: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides
Example:
If your site reviews gadgets and someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.
Earnings Potential:
Many affiliate marketers earn $1,000–$20,000/month, depending on traffic.
Best Plugin for Affiliate Links:
- Pretty Links
- ThirstyAffiliates
Affiliate marketing + SEO is a powerful combination.
✅ 3. Sell Digital Products (High Profit!)
Digital products have no manufacturing cost and deliver unlimited earnings.
Popular Digital Products:
- Ebooks
- Templates (WordPress themes, Canva templates, CV templates)
- Online courses
- Stock photos
- Printables
Tools to Sell Digital Products:
- WooCommerce
- Easy Digital Downloads (EDD)
Real Example:
Some creators sell $27 digital templates and earn $5,000–$30,000/month.
If you’re creative, this is one of the easiest paths to online income.
✅ 4. Offer Freelance Services
WordPress skills are in huge demand.
Services You Can Offer:
- WordPress website design
- Technical support
- SEO services
- Copywriting
- Social media management
Earnings Potential:
Freelancers charge:
- $50–$150/hour for design
- $300–$1,500 for a basic website
- $500–$5,000 for advanced websites
Use your WordPress site as your freelancer portfolio.
✅ 5. Create and Sell WordPress Themes
Developers and designers can earn excellent income selling themes.
Where to Sell:
- ThemeForest
- TemplateMonster
- Your own WordPress website
Thousands of sellers make six figures from theme sales.
Requirements:
Themes should be:
- Responsive
- Fast
- SEO-friendly
- Compatible with page builders
If you can code or design well—this is a huge opportunity.
✅ 6. Sell WordPress Plugins
Plugins solve problems—so people pay for them.
Types of Plugins That Sell Well:
- SEO tools
- Security tools
- Backup solutions
- Custom widgets
- WooCommerce extensions
Where to Sell Plugins:
- CodeCanyon
- Your own website with WooCommerce
Even small plugins ($29–$79) can generate recurring revenue.
✅ 7. Drop-Shipping With WooCommerce
Dropshipping lets you sell products without handling inventory.
How It Works:
- Customer buys a product on your WordPress site
- Supplier ships the product
- You keep the profit difference
Popular WooCommerce Dropshipping Plugins:
- AliDropship
- WooDropship
- Spocket
Earnings Potential:
Some dropshipping stores earn $5,000–$50,000/month, depending on niche.
Advantages:
- Low startup cost
- No inventory
- Flexible business model
✅ 8. Membership Websites (Recurring Income!)
Membership sites are one of the best recurring revenue models.
What You Can Sell:
- Exclusive articles
- Premium videos
- Coaching programs
- Community access
Best Plugins for Membership Sites:
- MemberPress
- LearnDash
- Paid Memberships Pro
Real Example:
A fitness membership site charging $29/month with 500 members brings $14,500/month.
✅ 9. Display Ads (Simple Passive Income)
Ads are the easiest way to earn with any WordPress website.
Top Ad Networks:
- Google AdSense
- Ezoic
- Mediavine (requires 50,000 sessions/month)
Typical Earnings:
- Low traffic: $50–$300/month
- Medium traffic: $500–$3,000/month
- High traffic: $10,000+/month
Tip:
Ads work best on blogs with informational content.
✅ 10. Sell Online Courses
Online learning is booming.
According to Statista, the e-learning market is expected to reach $400+ billion by 2026.
(Reference: https://www.statista.com/topics/871/online-education/)
Types of Courses You Can Create:
- Marketing
- Design
- Health & fitness
- Personal finance
- Tech tutorials
Tools to Create Courses:
- LearnDash
- LifterLMS
- TutorLMS
Pair your course with a blog or membership site to maximize earnings.
📈 Bonus: 5 Additional Ways to Make Money With WordPress
If you’re looking for more ideas, here are additional ways to earn:
⭐ 1. Sell Stock Photography
Upload and sell via WooCommerce.
⭐ 2. Start a Job Board Website
Charge employers for listings.
⭐ 3. Build Niche Directories
Charge for listings or featured placement.
⭐ 4. Offer WordPress Maintenance Services
Earn recurring monthly fees.
⭐ 5. Run an Email Newsletter With Paid Upgrades
Platforms like MailerLite and ConvertKit offer paid newsletters.
🛠 Tools You Need to Start Making Money With WordPress
Here are essential tools to begin:
🔹 Hosting Providers
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- WPX Hosting
🔹 SEO Plugins
- Rank Math
- Yoast SEO
🔹 Page Builders
- Elementor
- Bricks Builder
- Gutenberg
🔹 Marketing & Analytics
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
- Mailchimp
These tools help you build, optimize, and monetize your WordPress business.
🧠 Important Legal Notes
When monetizing online, always follow:
- FTC Disclosure Guidelines
- GDPR Compliance Rules
- Copyright laws
Reference:
https://gdpr-info.eu/
Transparency builds trust and keeps your business compliant.
🎯 How Much Can You Earn With WordPress?
Your income depends on time, effort, and strategy.
Average Earnings:
- Beginner bloggers: $200–$1,000/month
- Intermediate creators: $2,000–$10,000/month
- Full-time professionals: $10,000–$50,000+/month
With multiple income streams, many WordPress users build full-time online businesses.
🚀 Conclusion: Start Making Money With WordPress Today
WordPress offers unlimited opportunities for beginners, creators, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
Whether you want passive income, a side hustle, or a full-time business, these methods can help you start earning fast.
From blogging and affiliate marketing to selling products, membership sites, and freelancing—you can build an online income that grows every month.
👉 Your Next Step:
If you want help choosing the best method, setting up your site, or optimizing WordPress for income…
Reach out today and start building your online money-making machine!
Your WordPress income journey begins now. Let’s make it happen! 💰🔥