Static Sites vs WordPress: Should I Monetize? - Part 8

Whenever I mention rebooting my blog, one of the first questions people ask is: “Are you going to monetize it?”

It’s a fair question. Blogs today aren’t just personal diaries: they can be businesses, platforms for consulting, or launching pads for bigger projects. But in my case, the short answer is: not yet.

Previous posts in this series:

• Part 1: Static Sites vs WordPress: Rebuilding My Personal Blog After a Hack
• Part 2: Choosing the Right Static Site Generator
• Part 3: Hosting My Static Site
• Part 4: Analytics Without Breaking the Bank
• Part 5: My Content Workflow (Powered by Cursor)
• Part 6: Designing and Customizing the Blog
• Part 7: Security by Design

Why Not Now

There are three main reasons I’m not rushing into monetization:

1. Focus comes first

Right now, my priority is writing consistently and rebuilding a habit of publishing. Monetization introduces complexity: ad networks, affiliate partnerships, sponsorships, tracking pixels. Each of those adds moving parts, which can distract me from the core goal of producing content regularly.

2. Audience before revenue

Monetization only works if there’s an audience to support it. Without steady traffic and engaged readers, ads won’t generate meaningful income, and affiliate links won’t convert. The smarter play is to first build authority and trust. Once people genuinely come to the blog for value, monetization can follow.

3. Clean experience matters

I like that my blog feels uncluttered. No banners, no pop-ups, no “subscribe now!” overlays. Adding monetization too early can compromise that simplicity. I’d rather readers focus on the writing than on what I might be trying to sell.

The Future Options

That doesn’t mean I’ll never monetize. If the blog grows, I want it to be self-sustaining. And when that time comes, there are a few models I’d consider:

Ads

Low-barrier to entry, but often distracting. If I ever add ads, I’d keep them minimal and non-intrusive.

Sponsorships

Companies relevant to engineering, AI, or software might find value in sponsoring posts or newsletters. This feels cleaner than generic ad networks.

Affiliate links

Recommending tools I already use could be a natural fit. The key is authenticity: I wouldn’t promote anything I don’t personally stand behind.

Digital products

Guides, templates, or even a short course based on my professional experience could add value to readers while creating revenue. This feels like the most aligned with the blog’s purpose long term.

Lessons from Others

I’ve seen plenty of people burn out by chasing monetization too early. They add ads before they have traffic, or they flood their posts with affiliate links that feel forced. The result? Readers leave, and the blog loses credibility.

On the flip side, I’ve also seen creators who waited until they had an engaged audience. When they introduced monetization, it felt natural, almost like the community wanted to support them. That’s the model I’d like to follow.

The Bigger Picture

For me, the blog is more than a potential revenue stream. It’s part of my personal brand, my professional voice, and my creative outlet. In that sense, it’s already valuable, even without direct monetization.

Down the line, if it also pays for its hosting or contributes to other projects, that’s a bonus. But right now, the real return on investment is clarity, authority, and the opportunity to share ideas publicly again.

Takeaway for Readers

If you’re starting a blog, my advice is simple: don’t rush monetization. Focus on:

1. Publishing consistently
2. Building an audience that trusts you
3. Establishing your voice and authority

Monetization works best when it feels like a natural extension of what you’re already doing, not when it’s bolted on too early.

Final Thoughts

So, will I monetize my blog? Eventually, yes. But not today.

For now, I want the blog to stay clean, fast, and focused on the writing. If and when monetization comes, it’ll be in a way that respects readers and adds value, not just as a way to slap ads on a page.

Series navigation:

• Part 1: Static Sites vs WordPress: Rebuilding My Personal Blog After a Hack
• Part 2: Choosing the Right Static Site Generator
• Part 3: Hosting My Static Site
• Part 4: Analytics Without Breaking the Bank
• Part 5: My Content Workflow (Powered by Cursor)
• Part 6: Designing and Customizing the Blog
• Part 7: Security by Design
• Part 8: Should I Monetize? (this post)
• Part 9: Driving Traffic - My Next Step
• Part 10: Wrapping Up and What’s Next

What’s your approach to blog monetization? Have you found the right balance between revenue and reader experience? I’d love to hear about your monetization strategy and what’s worked (or hasn’t worked) for you.