Blogs that make the most money - and how to set up your own
As research shows fashion bloggers typically earn £1,116 a year, we look at blogging success stories - and explain how you could make it pay
Kate Hackworthy's blog has won awards and brought her to the attention of top literary agents. Photo: Martin Pope
Could your hobbies be the start of a new career? Every day, thousands of Britons share their ideas and tips on food, fashion, money-saving hints and other lifestyle interests through their blogs. And some make good money - even undreamed-of riches.
Tales of bloggers making huge amounts from their websites are legion. Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, is a prime example of blogging success. He started his newsletter blog in 2003 and in 2012 sold the resulting website for a cool £87m.
The blogs that make the most money
Optimus surveyed 1,723 UK lifestyle bloggers. Those involved in fashion and beauty earned more than those in other sectors. Fashion bloggers typically earned £1,116 a year and beauty bloggers, £1,044 from affiliate marketing.
Another way to make money can be through sponsored posts: for example, a cake-decorating company might sponsor a food blogger's cake recipes. Wendy Gilmour, who blogs on fashion and style on her site thankfifi.com, does sponsored contact with selected retailers.
From blog to book deal
Kate Hackworthy started her blog veggiedesserts.co.uk a year ago. She started creating desserts containing vegetables to tempt her two toddlers to eat healthily. She now has a literary agent and hopes that a book deal is close.