The first holiday season I tried to make money from my blog, I did everything wrong.
I waited until December 10th to post gift guides. I randomly added affiliate links to products I had never used. I crossed my fingers and hoped for magic.
Nothing happened.
No spike in traffic. No commissions. Just a quiet inbox and a lesson I did not want to learn.
But the following year, I treated my blog like a business. I planned early. I told better stories. I shared products I actually loved. And something changed.
The holidays stopped feeling stressful and started feeling profitable.
If you want this season to be different, let me walk you through how to make money with your blog over the holidays in a way that feels genuine, helpful, and made for a USA audience.
It Starts Earlier Than You Think
In the United States, holiday shopping starts way before December. Many people begin researching gifts in October. By the time Black Friday arrives, they are ready to buy.
So here is the first mindset shift.
Do not wait for the holidays to start writing about the holidays.
Start creating content in early fall:
- Gift guides
- Holiday decor ideas
- Budget shopping tips
- DIY tutorials
- Family traditions
- Hosting advice
The earlier your content is live, the more time it has to rank on Google and get shared on Pinterest.
Tell Stories, Not Just Sell Products
One year I wrote a simple post about how I host Thanksgiving for my family. Instead of listing products, I told the story.
I shared how I used a programmable slow cooker to keep the mashed potatoes warm while I wrangled kids and answered the door. I talked about the candles I lit before guests arrived and how that tiny detail changed the whole vibe of the room.
People connected with that.
They were not buying a product. They were buying an easier holiday.
That is the secret.
Here are a few affiliate products you could naturally include
- Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Perfect for Thanksgiving sides, chili nights, or Christmas parties. Share how it saves you time and stress. - Kindle Paperwhite
A great gift idea for moms, teens, or anyone who loves reading. Talk about how it fits into your daily routine. - Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Fun for holiday parties, stocking stuffers, and memory making. Show photos you have taken with it.
When you position products inside real life moments, readers trust you more. And trust leads to clicks.
Create Holiday Specific Content That Converts
Instead of writing a generic gift guide, go niche.
Try ideas like:
- Gifts for busy moms under 50 dollars
- Stocking stuffers for teen boys
- Cozy Christmas morning essentials
- Small apartment holiday decor ideas
- Black Friday tech deals worth it
Specific posts convert better because they match what people are searching for.
And remember, Americans love deals during:
- Black Friday
- Cyber Monday
- Christmas countdown sales
- After Christmas clearance
Plan content around those shopping peaks.
Build Anticipation With Email
Your email list is gold during the holidays.
One year I sent a simple email titled, My Favorite Black Friday Deals.
It was short. Personal. Honest.
That single email made more in affiliate income than three blog posts combined.
Why?
Because people already trusted me.
Start warming up your list in October. Share:
- Early deals
- Gift planning checklists
- Exclusive discount codes
- Personal recommendations
Keep it conversational. Write like you are emailing a friend.
Update Old Posts for a Quick Win
Before you write new content, look at your analytics.
Do you already have:
- A gift guide from last year
- A holiday recipe post
- A winter fashion roundup
Update them.
Add new affiliate links. Refresh the intro. Improve photos. Change the year in the title.
Updating often brings faster results than starting from scratch.
Be Honest About Affiliate Links
American readers appreciate transparency.
Let them know you may earn a commission at no extra cost to them. Do not overdo it. Just be clear.
And only recommend products you would genuinely use or gift.
Long term trust is more valuable than one quick sale.
Think Beyond Physical Products
The holidays are not just about gifts. They are about experiences.
You can promote:
- Online courses
- Printable planners
- Holiday party templates
- Stock photography bundles
- Budget spreadsheets
- Travel deals
If it solves a seasonal problem, it can sell.
The Real Secret
Making money during the holidays is not about stuffing your posts with links.
It is about helping someone feel less stressed, more prepared, and excited.
When your blog becomes part of someone’s holiday planning, you stop being just a website.
You become a resource.
And resources get bookmarked, shared, and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start holiday blog content?
Ideally in September or early October. Search engines need time to index your content, and shoppers start planning early.
How many affiliate links should I include in a post?
Focus on quality over quantity. A few well placed, relevant products perform better than dozens of random links.
Can small blogs make money during the holidays?
Yes. Even with low traffic, a targeted audience with strong buying intent can generate solid commissions.
Should I focus more on Pinterest or Google?
Both can work. Google brings long term traffic. Pinterest can drive fast seasonal spikes, especially for gift guides and decor ideas.
Is Black Friday the best time to earn?
For many USA bloggers, yes. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often bring the highest affiliate earnings of the year.
If you treat this season strategically, it can become your highest earning quarter.
Plan early. Tell stories. Recommend what you truly love.
And let your blog work while everyone else is busy wrapping gifts.
