Blogging isn’t just a creative outlet anymore — it’s a full-time career for thousands around the world. In fact, many bloggers are earning more than traditional 9-to-5 salaries. But how much do bloggers actually make? Are income reports real or hyped?
In this post, we’ll dig into real income reports from top bloggers, explain how they make their money, and what beginners can learn from their success.
Why Blog Income Reports Matter
Blog income reports are powerful for a few key reasons:
- Transparency: They give real insight into how much bloggers earn — and from what sources.
- Motivation: Seeing real numbers can inspire beginners to keep pushing forward.
- Education: They reveal monetization strategies that work.
How Top Bloggers Make Money
Before we get into individual reports, here’s a quick breakdown of how bloggers typically generate income:
1. Affiliate Marketing
They earn commissions by promoting products/services and getting a cut from each sale.
2. Sponsored Content
Brands pay for blog posts, reviews, or mentions.
3. Display Ads
Using platforms like Google AdSense or Mediavine to show ads and earn per click or impression.
4. Digital Products
E-books, online courses, templates, and printables are popular.
5. Services
Freelance writing, coaching, or consulting.
Real Blogger Income Reports (With Key Takeaways)
Let’s break down some real-world examples of successful bloggers who publish their income reports:
🧠 1. Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – Making Sense of Cents
- Niche: Personal Finance
- Reported Income: $100,000+ per month (at peak)
- Top Income Sources: Affiliate marketing (esp. Bluehost), digital courses
Key Takeaway:
Michelle’s success shows the power of affiliate marketing paired with in-depth, helpful content.
🧠 2. Pat Flynn – Smart Passive Income
- Niche: Online Business & Passive Income
- Reported Income: $150,000+ per month (prior to stopping income reports)
- Top Income Sources: Affiliate marketing, courses, podcast sponsorships
Key Takeaway:
Diversifying income streams — including podcasting — can create long-term stability.
🧠 3. Rosemarie Groner – The Busy Budgeter
- Niche: Budgeting and Productivity
- Reported Income: $86,000+ per month (at peak)
- Top Income Sources: Products, affiliate income
Key Takeaway:
Rosemarie leveraged budgeting challenges and simple solutions to grow a loyal audience.
🧠 4. Adam Enfroy – Blogging & Online Business
- Niche: Blogging Advice
- Reported Income: $250,000+/month (in 2 years)
- Top Income Sources: Affiliate programs, SaaS reviews, course sales
Key Takeaway:
SEO-focused content + high-paying affiliate programs = exponential growth.
🧠 5. Lindsay Ostrom – Pinch of Yum
- Niche: Food Blogging
- Reported Income: $50,000–$80,000/month (in previous reports)
- Top Income Sources: Ads, sponsored content, digital products
Key Takeaway:
Even visual-heavy niches like food blogging can scale with the right monetization strategy.
What New Bloggers Can Learn from These Reports
Here’s what beginners can take away from these impressive numbers:
1. You Don’t Need to Be a Tech Expert
Most of the bloggers above started with zero tech background.
2. Pick a Profitable Niche
Focus on topics where people spend money: finance, blogging, health, education, etc.
3. Start with Affiliate Marketing
It’s one of the easiest and most scalable ways to monetize as a beginner.
4. Build Trust First
Every top blogger emphasizes value before selling. Build an email list, share free tips, and help genuinely.
5. It Takes Time
Some bloggers made money in 6 months. Others took 2 years. Consistency is key.
Key Metrics from Blogger Income Reports
| Blogger Name | Niche | Income Range | Main Revenue Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Schroeder | Finance | $100K+/mo | Affiliate Marketing |
| Pat Flynn | Passive Income | $150K+/mo | Affiliates, Courses |
| Adam Enfroy | Blogging | $250K+/mo | Affiliates, Courses |
| Rosemarie Groner | Budgeting | $86K+/mo | Products, Affiliates |
| Lindsay Ostrom | Food | $50–80K/mo | Ads, Sponsorships |
How to Start Your Own Blog (and Reach These Numbers)
If you’re just starting out, here’s a roadmap to follow:
✅ Step 1: Pick Your Niche
- Personal finance
- Parenting
- DIY & crafts
- Health & fitness
- Blogging & marketing
✅ Step 2: Set Up Your Blog
- Use WordPress + a good hosting provider like Bluehost or Hostinger.
- Install essential plugins (Rank Math, WPForms, etc.)
✅ Step 3: Create Valuable Content
- Start with 10–15 helpful posts.
- Use proper formatting: headings, images, bullet points.
✅ Step 4: Monetize Smartly
- Apply for affiliate programs in your niche.
- Add Google AdSense or Ezoic once you have traffic.
✅ Step 5: Drive Traffic
- Use Pinterest and SEO together.
- Learn basic on-page SEO and keyword targeting.
Tools Top Bloggers Use (And You Should Too)
- Hosting: Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger
- Email Marketing: ConvertKit or MailerLite
- SEO Tool: Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, or Rank Math plugin
- Design: Canva for graphics
- Course Platforms: Teachable or Podia
Final Thoughts: Can You Really Make This Much from Blogging?
Yes — but it takes time, strategy, and consistent action. The bloggers we explored didn’t become overnight successes. They tested, learned, failed, and kept going.
If you’re serious about making money blogging, income reports are an amazing place to learn what’s possible and reverse-engineer the path.
FAQ: Top Blogger Income Reports
Absolutely. With niche content, SEO, and consistent posting, blogging remains a strong online income source.
You can — especially if you’re building a brand around blogging. It builds trust and helps others learn from your journey.
