WordPress has become one of the most powerful platforms on the internet — not just for creating websites but also for earning a stable income online. Whether you’re a blogger, developer, designer, or entrepreneur, WordPress offers countless opportunities to make money in creative and legitimate ways.
With over 40% of all websites powered by WordPress, the platform provides flexibility, scalability, and freedom to turn your ideas into profit. You don’t need to be a tech expert or an experienced coder to start; you just need the right strategy and consistency.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 proven ways to make money with WordPress — each tested and effective for both beginners and professionals.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that allows anyone to build websites, blogs, or online stores with ease. It started as a simple blogging platform in 2003 but has evolved into a complete website solution used by individuals, small businesses, and even large corporations.
- WordPress.com – A hosted platform that manages everything for you but has limited control and flexibility.
- WordPress.org – A self-hosted version that gives you full control, allowing you to install themes, plugins, and customize your site however you like.
Choosing between WordPress.com and WordPress.org can be confusing for beginners. Both share the same foundation but differ in control, flexibility, and ownership.
| Feature | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fully hosted platform | Self-hosted platform |
| Setup | Easy and managed for you | Requires hosting and manual setup |
| Cost | Free with limited options (paid upgrades) | Free software; hosting and domain cost extra |
| Customization | Limited themes and plugins | Full access to all themes, plugins, and code |
| Monetization | Restricted unless upgraded | Full freedom to earn through ads, affiliate links, or stores |
| Maintenance | Managed by WordPress | You handle updates, backups, and security |
| Control | Limited | Complete ownership and flexibility |
| Best For | Beginners or hobby bloggers | Businesses, developers, and professionals |
WordPress.com is simple and managed, while WordPress.org gives you total control and earning potential.
Top 10 Proven Ways to Make Money with WordPress
Below are 10 tried-and-tested ways you can monetize your WordPress website and turn it into a source of consistent income.
1. Create a Blogging Website
Creating a blogging website is one of the most reliable and effective ways to earn money online. With WordPress, you can easily set up your own blog around topics you’re passionate about — such as travel, food, fashion, health, or technology — and start generating income once you attract regular readers.
How to monetize your blogging website:
- Google AdSense: Earn money when visitors view or click display ads on your site.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote other companies’ products and earn a commission per sale.
- Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands to publish paid articles or product reviews.
2. Do Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and profitable online business models. It allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products. With WordPress, you can write product reviews, comparisons, or tutorials and include affiliate links that track sales.
Top affiliate programs include:
- Amazon Associates
- ShareASale
- CJ Affiliate
- Rakuten Marketing
Affiliate marketing can create a steady stream of passive income once your content ranks on search engines.
3. Offer Freelance Services
If you have skills like writing, designing, SEO, or web development, WordPress can serve as your professional portfolio. Create a personal website that showcases your skills, past projects, and testimonials.
You can offer freelance services like:
- Web Design and Development
- WordPress Maintenance and Security
- Copywriting or Blog Writing
- Graphic Design or Branding
- SEO and Marketing Consultation
Platforms to find clients:
Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and even through your own website contact form.
Your WordPress site becomes your personal brand, helping you stand out and attract high-paying clients.
4. Create and Sell WordPress Themes
If you have a background in web design or front-end development, creating and selling WordPress themes can be extremely profitable. Businesses and bloggers are always looking for unique, visually appealing designs that fit their brand.
You can sell themes on:
- ThemeForest
- Creative Market
- TemplateMonster
- Your own WordPress website
Once your theme becomes popular, you can earn passive income for years with minimal updates.
5. Develop and Sell Plugins
Plugins are small software tools that add functionality to WordPress websites. With over 60,000 free and paid plugins in the market, demand is huge.
If you’re skilled in PHP, JavaScript, or HTML, you can develop plugins that solve specific problems — like SEO optimization, security, or e-commerce tools — and sell them online.
Where to sell plugins:
- WordPress Plugin Directory (for free plugins)
- CodeCanyon
- Your own website
Many developers earn thousands of dollars monthly by selling or offering premium versions of their plugins.
6. Start an E-Commerce Store
With WooCommerce, WordPress can easily transform into a full-fledged online store. You can sell physical or digital products without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Examples of products to sell:
E-commerce through WordPress is one of the most reliable long-term ways to generate income.
- Handmade items or crafts
- eBooks and online courses
- Digital templates and printables
- Clothing or accessories
Benefits of WooCommerce:
- It’s free and highly customizable.
- You can accept multiple payment methods.
- It integrates with marketing tools like Mailchimp and Google Ads.
E-commerce through WordPress is one of the most reliable long-term ways to generate income.
7. Launch an Online Course or Membership Site
If you have expertise in any field — such as marketing, design, or photography — you can create and sell online courses using WordPress. Educational content is in high demand, and platforms like LearnDash or Tutor LMS make course creation simple. You can include videos, downloadable materials, and quizzes to enhance learning.
How to sell courses:
- LearnDash or Tutor LMS: Build structured and interactive online courses.
- WooCommerce Integration: Accept payments for courses easily.
- Membership Access: Restrict premium lessons to paying students.
8. Build Membership or Subscription Websites
Membership websites generate recurring income by offering exclusive content or services to paying members. This could include premium blogs, resources, training, or a private community. WordPress plugins make it simple to manage subscriptions and member access.
How to set up a membership site:
- MemberPress or Paid Memberships Pro: Create protected content.
- Recurring Payments: Collect monthly or yearly subscription fees.
- Community Building: Offer members-only forums or chat groups.
9. Offer Website Maintenance and Support
Many small business owners use WordPress but lack the time or knowledge to maintain their sites. This opens the door for offering ongoing WordPress maintenance services such as:
- Regular backups and updates
- Security monitoring
- Plugin management
- Performance optimization
- Fixing broken links or bugs
You can charge clients monthly or annually for maintenance packages, creating recurring revenue. Businesses love this model because it keeps their websites safe and running smoothly, while you enjoy consistent income.
10. Start a Podcast
Podcasting is a powerful way to share your voice, ideas, and knowledge. With WordPress, you can easily host your podcast, upload episodes, and grow a dedicated audience.
Here’s why using WordPress for podcasting works well:
- It helps you build trust and connect directly with listeners.
- Your episodes stay organized in one place, boosting your online presence.
- Sharing episodes is simple, and you can integrate them with platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
- Starting requires minimal setup and low investment.
- You can expand your reach and attract new followers over time.
A podcast also helps you grow your community and strengthen your personal brand. With WordPress, turning your podcast into a revenue source becomes much easier.
Conclusion
WordPress is not just a website-building tool — it’s a complete ecosystem for creating, managing, and monetizing online projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the platform offers numerous ways to turn your creativity into income.
From blogging and affiliate marketing to theme development and e-commerce, each method has its unique potential. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on providing value to your audience.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of earning money online, now’s the time to use WordPress to make it happen. Build your site, choose a strategy that fits your skills, and watch your online business grow.