Is Book Blogging Still Worth It in 2025? (My Honest Experience)

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Every year I see the same question floating around the internet:

“Is book blogging still worth it?”

I have also googled this question myself. Too many times, if I am being honest. 

It’s a fair thing to ask, especially when algorithms are constantly changing and short form video seems to be taking over. Often replacing thoughtful written content. 

But I’ve been book blogging for a few years now and I’d like to add my two cents to the mix this time around. 

Whether you’re thinking about starting your first blog or wondering if your current one still has a place online, I hope this gives you a grounded answer. 

What People Think Blogging Looks Like in 2025

Let’s start with the most common assumptions:

• “Nobody reads blogs anymore”

• “You have to be on TikTok or YouTube to grow”

• “Book blogging is too slow to make money”

I’ve heard all of this and more. At some points, I even believed them too. But it’s important to remember where you get your sources from and be careful who you listen to.

What Still Works About Book Blogging

Despite all the chatter online, book blogs are still being read. They’re just found differently. 

Google Search Still Drives Traffic

People are using Google to search for book reviews, themed lists, and trope breakdowns, amongst other things. 

If you’re writing thoughtful, keyword rich posts, then it’ll be far easier for your articles to show up in search. 

I grew this blog (previously a Fantasy Romance book blog) to 10,000 monthly sessions without going viral on TikTok or having a massive email list. I managed to get 95% organic traffic from Google search and 5% direct traffic through Pinterest. 

(& hitting 10,000 sessions got me monetized through Mediavine Journey!)

Pinterest Isn’t Dead for Book Content

Speaking of Pinterest, while it has changed, it is still a strong driver of traffic. Especially for content that leans more aesthetic like:

• Cozy fantasy recommendations

• Seasonal reading lists

• Bookish lifestyle content (like reading routines or how to get out of a reading slump)

It’s not overnight, and it takes a lot of time and thought, but it will pay off over time. 

It’s One Of The Best Creative Outlets for Readers

Social media comes and goes, algorithms change, but having your own blog? That’s a permanent space just for you. 

No disappearing captions. No timeline changes that make it impossible for followers to see your posts. Most importantly, no algorithm tweaks cutting your reach. 

Just your voice, your space, and your pace. 

What’s Changed (What No One Tells You)

If you decide that book blogging is something you want to do, I’d caution you first to decide whether you want it to be a hobby or a business. 

Hobby blogging and business blogging are two very different paths and if you decide you’re ready to start a blog, check out my article on how to start!

Anyway, things have changed to let’s talk about it. 

It’s Slower Than Social Media

If you’re hoping to grow overnight and get instant feedback, blogging can feel lonely at first. 

It takes time to build up an archive of old posts and develop traffic momentum. 

Monetizing is Possible, But Not Always Easy

Affiliate income and ad revenue are notoriously low. Affiliates can be extremely hard to get started with and even harder to grow with unless you’re constantly linking everything. 

I’ve had more success with ad revenue from Mediavine Journey, but my book blog RPM was very low. So I wasn’t earning consistent payouts every month. 

• I have yet to work with brands or really understand affiliate marketing. I also still don’t have an email list. My focus for growing my blog was focusing on excellent posts and steady traffic growth with SEO. 

Readers Expect More Than Just Reviews

Can I be honest? This part still trips me up. I have moved my book blog from here, to Books With Cynthia, but writing book reviews is my first blogging love. 

But only posting book reviews can make it incredibly hard to grow. 

Readers also want to see personal touches, creative angles, and themed content that goes beyond the blurb. 

So…Is It Worth It? 

Yes! But only if your definition of “worth it” isn’t just about money or followers. 

Book blogging in 2025 is still:

• A creative way to connect with other readers

• A platform you own (unlike social media)

• A potential stepping stone to something bigger: a YouTube channel, an author platform, a lifestyle brand, or even another blog

It’s certainly not a shortcut. Blogging is probably one of the longest ways to really make good money online. 

But it’s beautiful and steady and one of my absolute favorite things to do online. 

Who Should Start a Book Blog?

Book blogging might be worth it if:

• You want a cozy, long form outlet for your thoughts

• You love the idea of building something that is yours

• You’re willing to be patient while it grows

• You enjoy writing and want a place to experiment with content

Book blogging might not be the best fit if:

• You want quick results

• You hate writing or maintaining a site

• You want to monetize quickly

My Honest Take (From Someone Who’s Still Doing It)

Book blogging is still worth it. In 2025 and definitely for several years beyond. 

But only if you build in a way that feels sustainable, personal, and aligned with your actual goals. Whether you treat it as a hobby or a business. 

Not everyone wants to be an influencer or to film ourselves. Some of us just want a warm corner of the internet where we can talk about books and the things that interest us. 

And if that is you? There’s still plenty of room at the table. 

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