Blogging in Kenya can be a lucrative venture.
Many Kenyans are turning to blogs as a way to earn money online. But how much can you really make?
Blog earnings in Kenya typically range from $1 to $3 per 1,000 page views for display ads. This means a blog with 100,000 monthly views could earn $100 to $300 from ads alone.
This comes down to about KES 13000 to 40,000 in KES
But that’s just one income stream.
You can boost your blog income through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products.
Some top Kenyan bloggers make thousands of dollars monthly. Your earnings potential grows as you build your audience and diversify your income sources.
Starting a blog is easier than you might think. You’ll need to choose a niche, pick a domain name, and set up hosting.
Web hosting costs can be as low as KES 3,500 to 9,000 Kenyan Shillings per year for basic hosting and domain registration.
With dedication and the right strategies, you can turn your blog into a profitable business in Kenya. Are you ready to start your blogging journey?
You can then hire our team over at Levatin to create a great functional blog for as low as KES 20,000
Popular blogging niches in Kenya
Kenyan bloggers focus on several key topics:
- Technology and gadgets
- Fashion and lifestyle
- Food and recipes
- Travel and tourism
- Personal finance
- Health and wellness
These niches attract readers and can lead to good income.
Tech blogs cover new gadgets and apps Examples include Techplace and Techweez. Fashion blogs showcase local styles and trends. Food blogs share Kenyan recipes. Travel blogs highlight tourist spots.
To pick your niche, think about what you love and know well. Look for topics with enough readers but not too much competition.
A unique angle can help you stand out.
Choosing the right domain and web hosting
Your domain name is your blog’s online address. Pick one that’s:
- Short and easy to remember
- Related to your niche
- Easy to spell
- Unique
Avoid hyphens or numbers if possible. A .com, .ke, or .co.ke ending often works best for Kenyan blogs.
For web hosting, look for:
- Good uptime (99.9% or higher)
- Fast loading speeds
- Kenyan-based servers
- Affordable prices
- Good customer support
HostPinnacle is a popular choice for Kenyan bloggers. They offer local servers and support. Other options include Bluehost and HostGator.
Host Pinnacle plans start from just KES 4,500 (recommended plan) with a free domain.
Selecting a blogging platform
Your blogging platform is the software you use to create and manage your blog. The two main options are:
- WordPress.org: This is a self-hosted option. You have full control over your site. It’s very flexible but requires more technical know-how.
- WordPress.com: This is a hosted option. It’s easier to set up but has fewer customization options.
For most Kenyan bloggers, WordPress.org is the best choice. It lets you fully own your content and add features as needed. You can start with a simple design and grow over time.
Other platforms like Wix or Blogger exist, but they’re less popular for making money from blogging in Kenya.
Content creation and SEO best practices
Creating great content and optimizing it for search engines are key to blog success in Kenya.
The right strategies can boost your visibility and income potential.
Crafting high-quality content
Focus on delivering value to your readers. Write clear, engaging posts that solve problems or teach new skills. Use short paragraphs, headings, and bullet points to make your content easy to scan.
Mix up your content types:
- How-to guides
- Product reviews
- Interviews with experts
- Personal stories
Include relevant images, videos, or infographics to break up text. Make sure to optimize your images with descriptive file names and alt text.
Proofread carefully to catch any typos or grammar issues. A polished post reflects well on you as a blogger.
SEO optimization and keywords
Do keyword research to find terms your audience is searching for.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Keysearch, or Ubersuggest to identify popular long-tail keywords in your niche.
Include your target keyword in key places:
- Post title
- First paragraph
- Headings
- Image alt text
- Meta description
But don’t overdo it – write naturally for readers first. Google prioritizes quality content that meets user needs.
Build internal links between related posts on your site. This helps readers and search engines understand your content better.
Optimize your site speed and make it mobile-friendly. A fast, responsive site ranks better and keeps visitors happy.
Monetization strategies for Kenyan bloggers
Turning your blog into a money-making machine in Kenya takes smart planning.
You can earn cash through ads, selling products, and teaming up with brands. Let’s look at some top ways to make your blog pay off.
a) Google AdSense and affiliate marketing
Google AdSense is a popular way for Kenyan bloggers to earn money. You put ads on your blog, and when people click, you get paid.
The amount you make depends on how many people visit your site, where they are from, and the click through rate.
Affiliate marketing is another good option. You promote other people’s products and get a cut when someone buys through your link.
It works well for blogs about tech, fashion, or travel.
To succeed with these methods:
- Choose a blog topic lots of people are interested in
- Write helpful content that keeps readers coming back
- Learn about SEO to get more visitors from Google
b) Sponsored content and digital products
Sponsored posts can be a big money-maker. Brands pay you to write about their products or services. As your blog grows, you can charge more for these posts.
Creating your own digital products is smart too. You could sell:
- E-books • Online courses • Printable worksheets • Stock photos
These items let you earn money even when you’re not actively blogging. Plus, you keep all the profits instead of sharing with advertisers.
c) Additional revenue streams
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Try these other ways to boost your blog income:
- Offer services: Use your expertise to coach or consult.
- Host webinars: Teach live classes on topics your readers care about.
- Start a membership site: Give paying members exclusive content.
Crowdfunding can work too. Ask loyal readers to support your work through platforms like Patreon.
Remember, building a profitable blog takes time. Focus on creating great content and growing your audience. The money will follow as you become a trusted voice in your niche.