How English Teachers Can Earn Through Blogging – Complete Guide

Introduction

Teaching English is one of the most rewarding careers, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t always pay enough to match the effort teachers put in. With the rise of the digital economy, many educators are exploring side hustles that align with their skills. Blogging is one such opportunity.

For English teachers, blogging isn’t just a way to share knowledge; it’s a chance to build a personal brand, connect with learners worldwide, and create multiple streams of income. This post will guide you through how to start a blog, what content to create, and how to monetize it effectively.

Why Blogging is Perfect for English Teachers

Blogging is an excellent fit for English teachers because:

You already have the expertise. Years of classroom experience give you a strong foundation.
English is in demand worldwide. Millions search for grammar help, IELTS tips, and worksheets daily.
You’re natural communicators. Teaching already requires explaining concepts in simple ways.
Low startup cost. You only need a domain, hosting, and time.

In short: you already have the skills—blogging helps you turn them into income.

Step 1: Set Up Your Blog

Before you can earn, you need your blog live. Here’s how:

Choose a blogging platform:
- WordPress.org – Best for full control and scaling.
- Blogger – Free and simple for beginners.
Pick a niche: Instead of covering “all things English,” focus on areas like:
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Exam preparation (IELTS, O/A Levels, TOEFL)
- ESL (English as a Second Language)
- Resources for teachers
Select a domain name: Something simple and relevant (e.g., englishwithmisssarah.com).
Design your blog: Choose a clean, SEO-friendly theme.

Step 2: Create High-Value Content

Your content is your currency. The more helpful it is, the more readers you’ll attract. Examples of content ideas:

Lesson Plans & Worksheets: Upload ready-to-use classroom resources.
Grammar & Vocabulary Guides: Explain confusing topics like tenses, conditionals, or idioms.
Exam Prep Resources: Past paper solutions, IELTS writing samples, tips for TOEFL reading.
Comprehension Exercises: Grade-based passages with questions.
Teaching Tips: Classroom management, online teaching hacks, or pedagogy insights.
Personal Experiences: Stories from your teaching journey that inspire others.

👉 Pro Tip: Make your posts long-form (1200+ words) with examples, visuals, and keywords. This boosts search rankings and increases time spent on your site.

Step 3: Ways to Earn from a Teaching Blog

1. Google AdSense & Display Ads

Once your blog gets regular visitors, apply for AdSense or other ad networks (Ezoic, Mediavine).
Ads display automatically and generate income per click or impression.
Education niche earnings vary but grow with traffic.

Example: With 30,000 monthly views, teachers often earn $100–$400 from AdSense.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means recommending products and earning commission per sale. Ideal for teachers:

Books & eBooks: IELTS guides, grammar reference books.
Software: Grammarly, QuillBot, ProWritingAid.
Teaching Materials: Flashcards, apps, online courses.

3. Sell Digital Products

This is one of the most profitable methods. Create once, sell forever. Examples:

PDF worksheets (e.g., “50 English Comprehension Passages for Grade 8”)
E-books (grammar handbooks, writing guides)
Lesson plan bundles
Editable PowerPoints

You can sell through your own blog (using WooCommerce or Gumroad) or on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.

4. Online Courses & Tutoring

If you’re comfortable teaching online, create a structured course. Options include:

Video lessons on essay writing, grammar, or IELTS prep.
One-on-one tutoring sessions promoted through your blog.
Recorded workshops on teaching strategies.

Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or even private Zoom classes make this simple.

5. Sponsored Posts & Collaborations

As your blog grows, brands may pay you to promote their products. Examples:

Language learning apps (Duolingo, Cambly).
Educational publishers.
Tech tools for classrooms.

Sponsored posts often pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per article depending on your blog’s traffic.

6. Membership or Subscription Model

Create a premium section of your blog where members get exclusive worksheets, video lessons, or practice tests. You can charge:

Monthly fee: $5–10/month.
Annual fee: $50–100/year.

Platforms like Patreon or MemberPress integrate easily with blogs.

Step 4: Growing Your Audience

Without traffic, your blog won’t make money. Here’s how to attract readers:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Target keywords like English grammar exercises, IELTS writing tips, or O Level solved papers.
Social Media: Share your content in Facebook teaching groups, Instagram reels, and Pinterest (works well for worksheets).
Email Marketing: Offer a free resource (like a worksheet pack) in exchange for email subscriptions.
Networking: Comment on other teaching blogs, join forums, or answer questions on Quora and Reddit.

Step 5: Scaling for Higher Earnings

Once you start earning, reinvest in your blog. Ways to scale:

Launch a YouTube channel to drive traffic.
Offer a podcast on English learning.
Collaborate with other teachers to create joint resources.
Use paid ads (Facebook/Google) to promote your products.

Realistic Earnings Potential

Your income depends on consistency and strategy. On average:

Beginner (first 6–12 months): $20–200/month.
Intermediate (1–2 years, good traffic): $300–1,000/month.
Advanced (2+ years, multiple income streams): $2,000+/month.

Some teacher-bloggers even transition into full-time blogging, replacing their teaching salary.

FAQs

1. Do I need technical skills to start blogging?
No. Platforms like WordPress are beginner-friendly. You can set up a blog in less than a day.

2. How long before I start earning?
Usually 6–12 months, depending on consistency, SEO, and traffic.

3. Is blogging better than YouTube for teachers?
Both work well. Blogging is stronger for written resources (worksheets, guides), while YouTube is better for lessons and explanations. Many combine both.

4. What if I’m not a native English speaker?
Doesn’t matter! As long as your content is accurate and helpful, students and teachers will benefit.

5. How much time should I invest weekly?
Start with 5–10 hours a week. Consistency matters more than volume.

Conclusion

Blogging is one of the best side hustles for English teachers because it leverages your existing expertise. With minimal investment, you can build a platform that not only earns money but also helps learners worldwide.

Whether through ads, affiliate links, selling digital products, or creating online courses, the possibilities are endless. The key is to start today, stay consistent, and keep learning SEO and content marketing.

If you’re an English teacher who’s ever thought, “I wish I had a side income without leaving teaching,” then blogging might just be the perfect path for you.

Best Online Teaching Websites in 2025 | Top Platforms for Teachers