Bringing cash in from blogging isn't a pipe dream, but it does take some effort. Image: Flickr / dborman2 / CC-BY

If you are trying to make money on a blog, you’ve got options other than just running advertising. Affiliate marketing is one method for making money from your blog, but it is far from the only option. Here are nine of the most popular ways to leverage your blog for cash.

1. Banner and text advertising

One of the most popular methods of cashing in on a blog is advertising through a program such as AdSense, Clickbank, Fusion or another ad provider. This advertising is ubiquitous, has several integration options and can pay out at least some money each week or month.

2. Sponsorship

Individual businesses or advertisers may be open to sponsoring your blog for a period of time. Get together a fact sheet about your blog that includes average time on site, number of hits and visitors per day or week and number of posts per week.

3. Affiliate advertising

From large to small, affiliate advertising programs can pay out very well, if properly applied. Affiliate ads can range from in-line text ads to full ordering systems.

4. Selling digitally

The information and experience you have can be very valuable. Digital products such as e-books, guides or even Photoshop actions can be sold via your website.

5. Work with blog networks

A blog network is a group of blogs that combine SEO efforts, advertising and even income streams. Blog networks can often negotiate better advertising deals than a single blog.

6. Sell your writing

The experience you have as a blogger for your own websites can often be hired out. Become a freelance writer for business blogs or social networking accounts.

7. Sell profitable domains

Carefully purchasing, building up and selling profitable domains can, in and of itself, be profitable. It may take six months to a year of dedicated work, but profitable domains can be incredibly easy to sell to the right buyer.

8. Merchandising

Some blogs, especially blogs with dedicated followings, can make a significant amount of money through selling posters, T-shirts and other merchandise. Comedy blogs especially, such as The Oatmeal, make a decent income off of merchandising.

9. Consulting

Many businesses know that they should have a blog and social networking accounts and should be connecting directly with their customers. Entrepreneurs and small business owners, however, may not be as web-savvy and social network savvy as you are. Using your blogs and web properties as a way to build a reputation as a source who can consult for these businesses can be lucrative.