Ever wondered if you can actually make money from blogging in South Africa? The answer is yes—and you don’t need thousands of followers or a fancy setup to get started.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Start with a purpose, not a payday
Before you earn a cent, you need to figure out why you’re blogging. Are you trying to:
- Share your expertise (e.g. baking, travel, parenting)?
- Build a personal brand?
- Promote your business?
- Review products or places?
👉 Pro Tip: Pick a topic you genuinely enjoy—something you could talk about for hours. That’s what keeps readers (and Google) coming back.
Get your blog online (without breaking the bank)
You’ll need three basics:
- A domain name – Something short, memorable, and local (e.g. .co.za).
- Web hosting – Choose a reliable local host with WordPress support (like Priority One).
- WordPress + a simple theme – You don’t need to be a designer to make your blog look good.
If that sounds overwhelming, don’t stress—Orcanically can help you get started without the tech headache.
Build your audience first
You won’t make money on Day 1. First, grow a small (but loyal) audience by:
- Posting consistently – Weekly is ideal.
- Sharing your posts on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Writing for your audience – Answer common questions and give helpful advice.
Example: If you run a parenting blog, write about “affordable baby shops in Durban” or “how to make your own baby food”.
Okay, now… here’s how to actually make money
Once you’ve built some traffic and trust, you can monetise in a few different ways:
1. Affiliate marketing
Promote products you use and love, and earn a commission when someone buys through your link. Look for:
- AdMarula – A South African affiliate network with lots of local brands.
- Travelstart Affiliate Programme – Ideal if you write about travel.
- Amazon Associates – Good for international traffic and product reviews.
💡 Keep it honest: Only promote stuff you’d recommend to your best friend.
2. Sponsored posts
Once you have a niche audience, local brands may pay you to feature their products, write reviews, or host giveaways.
Start by reaching out to small South African brands you already support—they’ll often be more open than big corporations.
3. Selling your own products or services
This is where the real gold lies.
- Sell digital downloads (like planners, printables, or eBooks).
- Offer services (like coaching, photography, recipes, or courses).
- Launch a merch line or homemade crafts.
A blog gives you the platform—and trust—to do it.
4. Ad networks
Once you’ve grown your traffic, you can earn from displaying ads on your site. Some options:
- Google AdSense (easy to set up, pays in USD)
- Ezoic (better rates, but needs more traffic)
It won’t make you rich, but it’s a nice passive stream once you’re established.
Real talk: what about traffic?
You’ll need to attract readers who search on Google. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes in.
We’ve got a whole blog on that coming soon, but for now:
- Use keywords naturally in your blog titles and posts.
- Write about topics your audience is already Googling.
- Make sure your site loads fast (hosting matters here!).
Need help? Orcanically specialises in SEO for South African bloggers and businesses—and we love helping you grow without the overwhelm.
Final words: it’s a marathon, not a sprint
Making money from a blog takes time, consistency, and a little strategy. But with the right tools and support, it’s totally doable—even from your couch in Cape Town or coffee shop in Kloof.
Want to turn your blog into a business?
Book a free chat with Orcanically and let’s get you earning online!
