Display ads are one of the most common and accessible ways bloggers generate digital income. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned content creator, ad networks allow you to monetize your blog traffic with minimal effort. But how do display ads actually work, and how much can you realistically earn?

What Are Display Ads?

Display ads are visual advertisements placed within your blog’s content, sidebar, header, or footer. These ads are managed by advertising networks that connect website owners (like bloggers) with advertisers who want to promote their products or services.

Most bloggers start with Google AdSense, but as traffic grows, they often transition to higher-paying networks like Mediavine or AdThrive, which offer better rates and customization options.

How Bloggers Earn from Display Ads

There are two main pricing models:

• CPM (Cost Per Mille): You earn money based on the number of ad impressions — typically per 1,000 views.
• CPC (Cost Per Click): You earn when visitors click on the ads.

For example, if your blog gets 50,000 monthly page views and your ad network pays $12 CPM, you could earn $600/month just from page views.

Popular Ad Networks for Bloggers

• Google AdSense: Ideal for beginners. Easy to set up but offers lower rates.
• Mediavine: Requires at least 50,000 sessions/month. Known for high-quality ads and excellent support.
• AdThrive: Requires 100,000+ monthly pageviews. Great for premium lifestyle, finance, and parenting blogs.
• Ezoic: AI-powered platform with lower traffic entry and higher optimization control.

Best Practices for Display Ads

• Place ads in high-visibility spots: above the fold, within content, and sidebar.
• Don’t overuse ads; too many can harm user experience and SEO.
• Test ad types and layouts to find what performs best with your audience.
• Focus on increasing blog traffic through SEO, Pinterest, and email marketing to maximize ad revenue.

How Much Can You Really Earn?

Income from display ads depends heavily on your niche, traffic volume, and location of your audience. Niches like finance, insurance, and health often command higher CPMs than niches like general lifestyle or fashion.

Here’s a rough guide:

• 10,000 pageviews/month → $30 to $150
• 50,000 pageviews/month → $300 to $1,000
• 100,000+ pageviews/month → $1,000 to $5,000+

While display ads won’t make you rich overnight, they’re an excellent way to generate passive income once your traffic grows. They also work well as a supplementary stream alongside affiliate marketing, product sales, and services.

Example of a Display Ad Success Story

Maria, a food blogger, grew her blog traffic to 80,000 monthly pageviews in one year. She joined Mediavine and now earns about $1,200/month passively from ads — enough to cover rent and reinvest in her blog growth.

When to Start Using Display Ads

You can apply to ad networks at any stage, but to see meaningful income, it’s best to wait until your traffic reaches at least 10,000–20,000 pageviews/month. This ensures your site isn’t cluttered with ads too early while your audience is still growing.

Final Thoughts

Display ads are a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to earn digital income from your blog. Once set up, they generate revenue in the background while you focus on creating content and building your brand.

To succeed, prioritize growing traffic, choosing the right network, and maintaining a positive user experience. With time and consistency, your blog can become a stable source of ad-based income.