10 Proven Ways to Make Money with Blogging

YouTube is often seen as a moneymaker for content creators, but there’s a common misconstruction that only large channels with millions of views can make money. The truth? Small YouTube channels can generate revenue in multiple ways—sometimes even faster than you’d expect! If you have a growing channel with dedicated viewers, you already have a groundwork for monetization. You don’t need to go viral overnight; you just need the right strategies.

In this blog post, I’ll break down how you can make money from a small YouTube channel using real-life examples, practical advice, and proven methods. Let’s dive in!

1. Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

The most well-known way to make money on YouTube is through the YouTube Partner Program, which allows creators to earn from ads shown on their videos. To qualify, you need:

• 1,000 subscribers
• 4,000 watch hours in the 12 months or 10M Shorts views in the last 90 days
• A linked AdSense account

Once accepted, you’ll start earning a ratio of the ad revenue whenever viewers watch ads on your videos. However, growing a channel to meet these requirements takes time, so let’s look at other ways to monetize even before reaching this milestone.

2. Affiliate Marketing: Earn Without Ad Revenue

Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways for small YouTubers to make money. You recommend a product or service and earn a commission when someone buys through your unique affiliate link.

Real-Life Example:

Sarah, a small tech YouTuber with only 2,000 subscribers, made over $500 a month promoting web hosting services. She created helpful tutorials about starting a blog and involved affiliate links for Hostinger, Bluehost, and other hosting providers. Her audience trusted her recommendations, leading to steady affiliate commissions.

How to Get Started:

• Join affiliate programs related to your niche (Amazon Associates, Hostinger, Fiverr, etc.).
• Create honest, valuable content around those products.
• Place your affiliate links in the video description and mention them in your videos.

3. Sell Digital Products (E-books, Courses, Templates)

Why wait for ad income when you can sell your own products? If you have expertise in a particular topic, package your knowledge into an eBook, online course, or digital template.

Personal Anecdote:

I once helped a friend who ran a small personal finance YouTube channel with only 3,000 subscribers. Instead of waiting to monetize with ads, she created a simple “Budgeting for Beginners” eBook and promoted it in her videos. Within a month, she made $1,200 just from selling a $20 eBook!

Steps to Sell Digital Products:

• Recognize what your audience needs (budget planners, social media templates, etc.).
• Create a simple product (Canva is great for eBooks and templates).
• Use platforms like Gumroad, Sellfy, or your own website to sell.
• Promote in your video descriptions and pinned comments.

4. Offer Coaching or Consulting Services

If you’re well-informed in an exact area, consider offering one-on-one coaching or consulting services. This is especially effective if you have a small but highly engaged audience.

Example:

A fitness YouTuber with just 800 subscribers started offering personalized workout plans for $50 each. Since his subscribers valued his advice, many signed up, and he made more money than some channels with thousands of subscribers!

How to Start:

• Create a booking page using Calendly or a simple Google Form.
• Offer free value-packed content to build trust.
• Mention your coaching services in your videos and descriptions.

5. Crowdfunding and Fan Support

Many small YouTubers make money by getting direct support from their audience through platforms like:

• Patreon – Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
• Buy Me a Coffee – Accept small one-time donations.
• YouTube Super Thanks & Memberships – Available once you hit 1,000 subscribers.

Real-Life Example:

A small music cover artist on YouTube struggled to monetize through ads. Instead, she launched a Patreon where fans could request custom covers. Even with just 50 loyal supporters, she made $1,000 a month.

6. Sponsored Videos: Work with Brands

Even if you have a small audience, brands may be ready to sponsor your videos—especially if your viewers are engaged and belong to a specific niche.

Example:

A gaming YouTuber with 5,000 subscribers got a $300 sponsorship from an indie game developer to review their new game. Small brands often prefer micro-influencers because their audience is more loyal and engaged.

How to Get Sponsorships:

• Reach out to small businesses related to your niche.
• Use platforms like GrapeVine, FameBit, or Upfluence.
• Show brands why your audience is appreciated, even if it's small.

7. YouTube Shorts Monetization

If you create YouTube Shorts, you can take benefit of the YouTube Shorts Fund, which rewards creators based on meetings. Even small channels with viral Shorts can earn bonuses without being in the YouTube Partner Program.

Example:

A travel vlogger with only 900 subscribers earned a $200 bonus from YouTube Shorts Fund after one of her videos hit 300,000 views.

How to Maximize Earnings:

• Create engaging, shareable Shorts.
• Add a call-to-action leading viewers to your other content or affiliate links.

8. Selling Physical Products or Merchandise

If you have a loyal audience, consider selling merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or custom products related to your niche.

Example:

A small YouTube channel about cats started selling funny cat-themed T-shirts using Printful. Even with just 1,500 subscribers, they made consistent sales.

How to Get Started:

• Use platforms like Teespring or Printful to create merch with no upfront costs.
• Promote your merch in your videos and descriptions.

Read More:

How to Make Money on YouTube with a Small Channel

Easy Ways to Earn Money from Blogging in the USA | $100 A Day

How to Make Money with Social Media Marketing in 2025

How to Make $1,000 with Digital Products: A Beginner’s Guide

Final Thoughts

Making money on YouTube isn’t just about getting millions of views. Small YouTubers can earn a solid income by diversifying their revenue streams. Whether it’s through affiliate marketing, selling digital products, offering coaching, or getting fan support, there are plenty of opportunities to monetize even before you hit 1,000 subscribers.

Start by choosing one or two methods that align with your niche and audience. Stay consistent, provide value, and experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you.

What’s your experience with monetizing a small YouTube channel? Have you tried any of these methods? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!