How to Start Making Money Blogging
January 03, 2012
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I’m joining a few of my favorite lovely blogging ladies today for the next post in the Growing Your Blog series my pal Kate dreamed up:
Yesterday Nester shared her thoughts on authenticity in blogging and her post and the comments were a great read – check it out here.
Today I’m sharing more on a topic I know bloggers and non-bloggers alike are curious about – making money on a blog.
First, let’s hear what the other four ladies had to say, then I’ll share my advice:
The time I get to spend at Nesting Place is directly related to how much money I earn, that's just the cold, harsh truth. My husband and I are hoping to be debt free early this year and it's been great to help contribute to that. The best advice I've ever heard about monetization and blogging is to diversify where your money is coming in from. I have private ads, corporate sponsors, ebook affiliates, my own ebook, network ads and from time to time 3rd party sponsors. Relying on any one of these methods alone is risky, but as a whole, I can usually count on an average income per month. I go into more detail at this guest post at Funky Junk Interiors about how I've made a business out of Nesting Place if you are wondering more about each of those methods.
My best money managing tip is something I heard from Simple Mom :: Open an ING account. I opened one three years ago and have an ING checking account where my Network Ad income is automatically deposited. That account is linked to my PayPal and our regular joint bank account. I also have SEVEN ING savings accounts {emergency fund, taxes, Nesting Place expenses, accounts for my boys, braces...stuff like that} ING lets you have up to 25 savings accounts for free. I like ING because it's all online, you get a debit card and checks and you can set up automatic payments into your savings accounts. For my private ads {etsy shops} I have an assistant who does all of the billing because I've figured out, I always forget to bill everyone so basically, I make more money when I have an assistant because she actually bills people.
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I started my blog without any intention of making money but as a hobby and creative outlet, and mostly to document the continuing progress on our home remodel. I didn’t have any sponsors for an entire year, only Google Ads which made next to nothing. I remember getting my first Google Ads check for $13 and being so excited! As traffic grew due to a growing readership, I started getting sponsors for the sidebar, mostly small businesses, and they all found me. In 2010, I signed on with Haven Home Media (HHM) as my ad network. Google Ads and HHM both account for 60% of my income, the rest comes from sponsors and writing gigs. I don’t make much from affiliates, I suppose I should be better about that, and I have yet to write an eBook (all that extra time ya know…). I’ve read all sorts of good things about SocialSpark (have yet to try it) and do get approached a lot to do paid sponsored posts for companies large and small, but I turn 90% of them down, unless it’s a brand I trust and would be comfortable promoting to my readers (and of course there is always the requirement of full disclosure for those arrangements).
The cool but unexpected thing is that through consistent content over three years, the blog has grown into an actual business where I made an income in 2011. But with that growth comes the cost of maintenance (server, accountant, costs for projects, travel expenses, etc.) and taxes that must always be filed. To keep track of it all, I use PayPal for billing and Quickbooks to document income, receipts, and other expenses.
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When I first started blogging, I thought I would never have ads on my blog. Almost a year in, though, I realized this was a full time job and I needed some income for it. I am now a part of an ad network and I use Google Ads. Both are awesome, because they require almost no maintenance. I also accept private sponsors. That form of monetization requires a lot of upkeep, but it’s fun to spotlight small businesses or products I really love. And, since I’m sure everyone is curious… Yes, you can make a good full-time income off of a blog. It’s worth all of the work to grow your blog.
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I started my blog as a family blog – and didn’t even know you could make money from your blog back then. I’ve learned a lot over the last few years. If you are thinking of monetizing, making an advertiser/sponsor section on your sidebar is a great way to start. (WordPress, for example, has some wonderful plugins that automatically rotate your ads, schedule ads and track clicks.) Also, be sure to create a media kit that includes facts about your blog, who reads your blog, your latest blog stats (use Google Analytics to track and update your stats). But keep in mind also, sponsors care about more than just numbers – if you have a specific niche and an engaged readership, that relationship you have with your audience can be more important than numbers.
An ad network is a way to make money from your blog without having to manage the overhead of sponsors and advertisers. Google AdSense is an easy way to start, and your revenue will increase over time. Whether you like Google ads or not, you may want to try a few different networks and see what works best for you. (I use a few networks and rotate them around.) Many of these networks don’t restrict you to using just one network. Finally, there are companies that match bloggers with advertising campaigns. If you’re interested, they will present you with the brand’s campaign and you can decide whether or not to participate. Examples are: CleverGirls Collective and SocialSpark. This can be a good way to start working with major brands.
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And now my two cents. Har. Get it? Two cents…post about money? OK, I’ll move on.
I started my blog in May of 2008 and didn’t accept my first ad until January of the following year.
If there is one piece of advice I have about making money blogging, it’s to not expect to make money blogging. ;) Meaning, don’t start a blog with the goal of making it your “career.” I’m 100 percent positive the most successful bloggers I know (that make the most money) did NOT start their blog thinking, I’m going to make meeeeellions!! Buwhahahahaha!!!
OK, I have two pieces of advice. The other is to take the advice of your financial advisor and like Nester said above -- diversify! Change it up, take on different types of ads, look into different ways to make some moolah.
Let me start by saying something important. I don’t get the notion that a blogger is “selling out” because they make money doing what they do. Obviously I don’t agree with that. Blogging takes more time than you ever think it will and takes effort and work. Therefore, if you can get paid, by all means…get paid.
Sure, I see ads that annoy me. I see sponsored posts I’m not interested in…but I still say all the power to them. That blogger is trying to make the most of what they are putting out there and I think that’s a good thing (although, yes, there’s always a point of going a little overboard.)
Personal ads are the first and only advertising I had on TDC for a long time. That January years ago, I put up a post letting the world (or the 50 people who read my blog at the time) know that I was accepting ads.
I felt like this:
I was SO uncomfortable about the whole thing. Still am. UGH.
At the time, I had just over 2,000 page views a day. My ad space was $10 a month.
Here’s another nugget of advice from a “seasoned” blogger (can we call almost four years seasoned?) – I highly recommend you wait till you’ve been blogging at LEAST six months to take on ads.
Actually, a year if you can. I was only nine months in to it, but I had a surge of new visitors the fall before I took on my first advertisers. Honestly, if I could go back in time I would have held off and waited a bit longer.
Why? Just because you need time to figure out where your blog is going to go. You may be able to post five times a week at the start because of the rush, and then realize the time it takes and slow down. Advertisers like consistency.
Or you may start off with one focus for your blog and find a new interest takes it in a different direction later. Businesses are looking for a site that matches their audience.
After I took on some private ads, I started with Google:
These are SO crazy easy to put up and use! Go to Adsense to set up an account (if you blog on Blogger you’ll probably already have one). Just pick out the size you want, grab the code and put it on your page. It really is easy and they guide you through the process.
You get paid through Google based on impressions and clicks on your ads. Some days and months you’ll make more than others, but it’s great, consistent income. Even if “income” is just $4.36 – the amount I made my first month. ;)
Next up I moved on to network-type advertising. It’s similar to Google, but instead it’s a private company that works with advertisers for you. You put their code on your blog and it kind of does it’s own thing. The ads will change based on key words they pick up in your content.
These are my favorite. :)
In my experience, they pay the most. They are easiest to work with because you don’t do much and you know what to expect. Sometimes Google will put up an ad I’m not particularly thrilled with, and then I have to go in and block ads from that site.
For a while, I worked with a network called Juice in the City and it went great for a while. They changed their format and it no longer worked with my audience, so I was thrilled when I was contacted by a new network called Haven Home Media. These guys are fantastic and I’m thrilled to partner with them.
I’ve also worked with Rivit Media and they do a great job too – many of the Michael’s campaigns you see in blogland are through them. I have not worked with BlogHer but have heard great things. Another reputable company for these types of ads is Federated Media.
Sometimes you have to sign a contract for this type of ad, or they may have some guidelines you have to follow in order to keep your ads up. (Mine do not.) Just ask as many questions as you need and find out all the details before signing on the dotted line!
I still struggle with TDC being a business. Sometimes it’s hard for me to treat it as such because I LOVE WHAT I DO. But doing giveaways for a fee is one of those business decisions. I believe you undervalue your blog as a business (if that is what it turns into, which happens often) if you do too much for free.
These are all my personal experiences and thoughts – take them or leave them. :) All that being said, I’m picky. If I don’t like the products a company sells for a giveaway, I politely decline. If an advertiser isn’t a right fit, I let them know. I don’t take on any types of ads that would annoy me if I saw them on another site. I get approached daily with offers, and I decline most of them. I try to be deliberate and consider my readers as much as possible.
The million dollar question that I always want to know is how much a particular blogger makes doing what they do. Without going into too much detail, I will say you can absolutely do “well” as a blogger.
I now make much more than I did working full time – and I say that because I want to encourage anyone who wants to blog or is blogging that you can make money doing this. You can help support your family, you can make some extra spending money. My income allowed us to become debt free much faster and allows me to keep doing fun things to our home that I hope continues to inspire you.
And that inspiring part is my very favorite part. :) Blogging (can be) a job, and if you’ve been at it long enough, I believe it’s one you should make money doing. If you want to.
But I still find it hard to consider this work, especially when it’s this fun. Probably the best job ever.
I hope that answers some questions about the elephant in the blogland room. ;) If you blog and have any other advice to add, please do so! If you’re a reader and want to share what you like to see when it comes to ads, I know we’d love to hear from you too! (Constructively, of course.)
And if you have any other questions, please let me know and I’ll address them soon! Be sure to check out Jen’s advice on utilizing social media on Wednesday, Marian’s photography tips on Thursday, and Kate’s thoughts on finding balance on Friday.
Sarah, thank you this has been one of the most helpful things I have read. I don't think I am there yet, even tho I have been blogging since 2010, lots of good info I will refer back to over and over. And I have always wondered if you guys were making a average fulltime/partime salary or if you were making a small amount. I don't doubt you all earn every penny of it! As for annoying adds, the new little popups that run on the bottom of the screen are not my fav. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts Sarah!! I agree with everything you said. I didn't know I could make anything blogging, but it has turned into a business that I love. And I agree -- I think you have to have that passion that is not about money, although people can absolutely make a great living through blogging.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoox
Jen
I love reading posts where you girls talk about your blogs back in the day, because that is where I am at. My blog is only six months old! I remember when I started and I had like three facebook likes (mom, husband and sister). I thought oh-my-god how do they do it? Six months later I have over 500 likes on facebook and over 500 followers/subscribers. It still seems overwhelming, but it is exciting to see growth. It is cool to know you all started out just like me. I couldn't love what I am doing more. I hope to make money at it someday, because I never want to stop. I am 100% addicted to my blog. I love connecting and growing and seeing something I built grow. Thanks for the awesome post. Sorry the comment got so lengthy!
ReplyDeleteP.S. You monthly link parties send me SO much traffic! Thank you.
Thank you for the post!!! I am just at the tipping point now...ad network accumulating payments (gotta love the delay on some of those!) and ebook written...the extra income is almost there! I really appreciate the encouragement from all of you!
ReplyDeleteShannon
I've been blogging since 2008. You have to be great to make money from what you do. You are. You are hilarious. You are smart. You are clever. Shall I go on? I really just blog for myself and my family, so money making isn't even in the picture for me, but by all means, I would never criticize someone for making money from doing something they do so well....and you, my dear, are a genius at what you do!!! That is the reason we all keep coming back. It isn't the ads....it's your charisma, your charm....your ingenuity. Keep up the great work, and I hope you make MILLIONS off your blog!!! You certainly do deserve it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your honesty and for all these great tips. I've read from you and the others before on your tips in this area. I never intended to get advertising - probably wouldn't have made much anyway - until I was nearly 18 months into blogging. That was three months ago, and once I did my 31 day series {and PINTEREST, hello? has just thrown tons of people my way}, my hubby said "get advertising"! I did...and now I'm making more money than I am teaching my piano students. I would never have thought that could happen so fast. But, I'm glad I waited because when all those people came my way a few months ago, I had so much content that it made loyal followers fast. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being honest!
ReplyDeleteBecky B.
www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
Thank you so much for all of the good info. I have been blogging for less than four months and have managed to make about $120 off my blog so far... I guess that is quite good considering I am a total newbie. The holiday postings are pretty much the reason I made anything. I've recently been working on a new design and layout and am looking for additional ways to make money so your post and this series is a huge help!!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is always such an inspiration <3
Diana @ AnyoneCanDecorate
Thanks for these great tips. I'm pretty new to blogging (August 2011) and these are so helpful!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThese posts are perfectly timed for me, a brand new blogger. A week ago, I think there were 11 followers on my blog, now, I have almost 200. Over the last week, there have been over 20-thousand hits, when it was chugging along at about 100 a day. Everybody and their mother keep telling me to put ads on the page, etc. But I think I'll hold off, create more of a fan base and a schedule and see where it takes me. I'm afraid it was a random occurrence that won't happen again! Thanks to you and the other ladies for your words of wisdom.
Awesome! Thank you times 5....
ReplyDeleteI had been stalking your site throughout the day waiting for this post. I thought oh know maybe they forgot or something and then at last I saw this... Woohoo
Can't wait for tomorrow's series!
~Mandy
Holla girl, you are so fabulously insightful, and I adore you! Thanks for sharing your pearls of wisdom, I agree with it all, we work hard and have turned all that hard work and passion into something fun and creative that also puts food on the table, bravo!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!!!!
xoxo
Kate
Holy Frijoles! You make more than a full-time job?? That is so freaking awesome. You deserve it. (See, I read every word you said again. :)
ReplyDeleteSo. .. what kind of full-time job are we talking??
(wink wink)
Love ya Sarah!
What a wealth of information-thanks for sharing. I want to start making some money blogging and this is a great start to check out things.
ReplyDeleteThis was so well worth reading and inspiring in some ways. I love blogging, I've been doing it for years but never stick with one blog. I'm glad to say I finally have settled down and stuck to dedicating myself to one. I hope it takes off and becomes a success but if not I find enjoyment in making posts
ReplyDeletehttp://barnyardchic.blogspot.com/
I really enjoyed this explanation- it's so interesting to hear the path others have traveled. I totally agree that bloggers are providing a service and it's a great thing to get compensated for that.
ReplyDeleteWas wanting to "pin" the graphic at the top of the post that says "how to make money blogging" but it's not showing up as a "pin" option when I click to pin...just thought I'd let y'all know...or maybe it's user-error. ;o)
ReplyDelete...meant to say in my above comment that I'm having trouble "pinning" the graphic that says "growing your blog" (not "how to make money blogging")...I'm not quite awake yet, I guess! Thanks for all the great tips!
ReplyDeleteLots of great info and advice here. This is a decision that one cannot jump into without some know how. Always nice to hear first hand from the pros. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, this was crazy useful! I've been emming and awwing about whether to put in Google ads... I think I may take the plunge!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your honesty! This series is like a free blog consultation - sweet! It's also a big enouragement because I do love this blog thang and hope to one day grow it into a business. I'd love to know that I can one day say sayonara to my day job and do this full time. What a dream!!!
ReplyDeleteSince I literally started my blog yesterday, I am SO far away from thinking about making money...but I had no idea how many options were out there! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great and informative post! This series is going to be invaluable for so many bloggers. I was happy to see that I already do some of these things, and found some things to work on as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Thanks for all the great info. It would be great to one day make money but for now I just want to increase traffic and add followers. Any suggestions? My blog is 4 months old and I was very excited to get my 4th follower. But compared to other blogs that are about the same age, I seem to be lagging. I'm really not trying to compare myself to others because that's not what this is about. I just wondering if there's something I need to change or do differently. Thanks for whatever advice you have.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post this helps me tremendously!! I am 4 months new and was wondering when I should place ads...wasn't sure if it would turn viewers off or not. I know blogging is my calling, and I am so glad to hear you can make decent money from it. Thanks for the advice!! This blog is the first one I found and read last year and it is because of you that I am blogging today!! I never knew that you could show off your own DIY's and become pretty much your own brand by blogging!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteKim@madeinaday
http://madeinaday.com
Awesome post, thanks for "putting it all out there" in blogland for the rest of the blogger babes (and dudes)!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the great info!! I have only been blogging for a few months so this is so helpful :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading all of these thoughts. Don't you wish you had this info at the beginning when you were starting out? I had no clue, but I completely agree...in the beginning, do it because you love it, be PATIENT, put your family first, but work your hiney off when you can, make friends with other bloggers, be true to yourself and the money will eventually come.
ReplyDeleteI thought the first time I made $50: it CANNOT get any better than this. Doing what I love and getting $50 whole dollars to spend at yard sales to boot?! It was just too good to be true.
Thank you for all the great information! I've just started monetizing my blog. I'm using Google Ads and affiliate links at the moment.
ReplyDeleteMary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
Very insightful! Thank you all so much for sharing these invaluable gems. I'm bookmarking every post for later once once I kick my blogging & Etsy shop back into gear. :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful job, Sarah! Thank you so much for all of the great tips and tricks. I always love how you're so down to earth. You deserve every penny you make!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, girlfriend! So glad that blogging women are able to make money from something they would do for FREE! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great series for the newer chicks - so thank you so much for keeping it real!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an insightful look into the world of career blogging. Did you have a mentor or know someone already blogging successfully when you began? Did you attend a conference or anything? Or did you just dive in believing that folks would come to the site if they loved DIY design the way you did?
ReplyDeleteAgain, many thanks for the insights!
I couldn't agree more, ladies. Especially on the diversifying and waiting part. And I'm still learning the ropes. ;} LOVE this. ALL of it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such generous info from all of you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo, I just sent Thrifty Decor Chick an email and figured I would leave a comment here too.
ReplyDeleteSO much has changed in four years. Most of us writing this series started our blogs four years ago, and three years ago started slowing allowing advertising.
Back in that day, many readers were no where NEAR as supportive as you all are here today. I know my little circle of blogging friends and I all got mean emails, unfollows, and me and my ads were a hot topic on forums {yep, people still write on those}. It was SO hard and disheartening. People were MAD because they wanted their free information ad free.
I have a few friends who actually stopped their blog after their readers were so upset about them having ads. At the time, it made me wish I would have started Nesting Place with ads, so it wouldn't have been such an abrupt change.
Anyhow, the point is, I want to thank you all for "getting it". You get that it's a job {full time for some of us} and instead of feeling mad about someone else having advertising, you consider if its a good choice for you or not. Thank you.
PS, I feel like a dork saying I have 7 savings accounts in my little part-- part of the question we were answering was "how do we manage our money" and some of those savings accounts are empty, but, they help me keep things organzied. Just so you aren't thinking I have so much cash that I have to keep opening savings accounts because I like, met my savings limit or something. Hate me.
Thanks so much for this great and useful post - I am just over a year in and my plan has been to start out the new year with jumping into advertising. It is at a point where it would really be valuable (and satisfying!) if I could start making money with this gig! I really appreciate your, along with your pals, candid way of sharing information with us.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Laura
Oh, and to the Nester - you are not a dork. We have an ING account (if you want to talk dork - started because of Oprah!) that we took our girls to Disney with 5 years ago. Every paycheck a little money goes in and we never look at it. Don't tell - but next month we are taking our kids to Disney again - paid totally from the ING account again, this time as a surprise! Ing is a great and powerful tool because of its flexibility!
ReplyDeleteI find this fascinating. I've been blogging since January 2009 but I'm in a very niche market (hint: not home decor. Though that does pop up a bit) and will never have more than 100 followers, and therefore no advertising - which is totally fine with me. I turn down lots of invitations to guest-blog on larger fora, which I would guess would work toward commercializing my online writing eventually. (They're not appealing, as I'm already essentially a professional writer - I'm a lawyer.) This topic is fascinating to me not so much because I object to bloggers seeking ad revenue, as because the economics of it have always mystified me. In all the time I've spent reading the internet (and there are addicts in treatment who've probably spent less), I have followed an ad link to only one site, ever (ModCloth - and someday I will purchase something from them, but it's already been a year or more and I haven't yet). I'm 29 and probably a full-fledged member of the internet generation - I simply do not see ads. I even close pop-ups without noticing what they say. I do read the giveaway posts and if the stuff seems useful AND the company has good prices, then I will check out the site - not otherwise (because I already know where to buy almost anything I want, if money were no object).
ReplyDeleteWhile there are some advertisers I might find offensive (if I noticed the ad - but that's rare), and I loathe rollover ads, there's really only one thing that gets under my skin: bloggers complaining to their readership that it takes too much work to blog, or they don't like to feel guilty for not posting, or whatever. If they have ads and say this, then, seriously, knock it off. On my (totally uncompensated) blog, I get called on being absent regularly, and I don't complain - my readership is all people with whom I've built personal relationships, so I take those comments in the kind spirit in which I know they're meant.
Just MY $.02, FWIW.
~the misfit (justbeinginfertile.blogspot.com)
This is all such helpful information! I'm a newer blogger but definitely tucking this away for future reference. This is such a great series!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your perspective, all. I'm currently on the fence regarding inviting outside advertising on my professional site aside from a few affiliate links that directly relate to organization. I write articles in efforts to show I am a reliable source for hire (but our family could certainly use additional income as well).
ReplyDeleteI'll take all your advice under consideration for sure. :)
My blog has been up and running about 14 or more months now. It was a struggle to get to the 45 'followers' I have now, including dead times when I was caring for ailing parents.. sometimes I wonder if Karma is telling me blogging isn't my thing... that my furniture isn't where I'm supposed to be because she keeps throwing roadblocks in my path every time I get humming along.
ReplyDeleteSo how do you grow your blog to a number of followers and hits that an ad would even be worthwhile. Posting ads seems to me to be putting the cart before the horse if you only have 45 followers... and nary a comment most days.
It's so frustrating... maybe because it's not what I am supposed to be doing?
A
solongfarm.blogspot.com
That was truly one of the most useful post I have read from any post in the blogging world about making money blogging. I definitely think starting slow is a great idea and not putting the cart before the horse as they say. Thanks for all the extremely valuable information.
ReplyDeleteI just monetized last week, so this is great timing! Thank you, ladies, for all your inspiration and help!!
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Charlie
This has been such a fantastic resource! I loved Nester's follow up comment too. Any readers who frown on blog ads must not understand how much time it takes to create quality blog content. I think all of us (most?) start out blogging simply as a creative outlet to indulge in a passion. I know that I never, ever in a month of Sundays imagined that I could make money blogging, or that I'd sign up with an ad network (Blogher) within my first year. But then something happens to all of us... traffic starts building, followers start subscribing, content gets 'featured'....and then wham bam, thank you maam, you're hooked! So then you feel the pressure to keep content fresh for all those new followers who can't live without you (LOL); and in turn, that means you feel pressure to blog with better quality and frequency. And SO, before you know it, this little 'hobby' of yours is requiring a much bigger chunk out of your (finite) 24 hours/day. I think that's when it dawns on you: Geez Louise, I really should be getting paid for this, or I should be putting those extra hours against something where I know I can make income for my family (for me, that would mean more marketing consulting). I'm at that particular cross-roads now. This post has been a great help in deciding whether the time I put into my blog is/will be worth it, or whether I should spend those extra hours elsewhere. Sorry for the novel! Thanks so much. Kerri, A Pop of Pretty, apopofpretty.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post! You have managed to discuss a kind of hush hush topic in a really classy and helpful way and I am so thankful. I have been blogging for about a year, and as I move into a few new stages in my life (wedding planning and marriage) the idea of monetizing has been looming ever larger in my mind. These are great tips, and as soon as I get my readership up (which I'm so working on) I'll definitely be rereading this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com
Excellent post... Although I have been blogging (mostly for family and friends) for 5 years, it never even occured to me that I can try and generate same extra money for extra motivation...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I'll have to think more about where I want to take my blog next :-)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love posts like this! I always wonder how bigger blogs got started. It can all be so overwhelming and it's hard to know where to start. Blogging really does take time and hard work - it's awesome that you are able to make a good income doing something you love!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was amazingly helpful and informative! Thank you so much! I never even considered that it would be possible to make money from my blog... but you made me rethink that...
ReplyDeleteCindy
Thank you so much for all of this info! I am a fairly new blogger, but love the idea that I could make some extra money to get us debt-free faster! Every little bit counts, right?
ReplyDeleteGod bless each of you fabulous ladies for taking the time to share this useful information. I am certain that all of your tips and advice mean more to the "newbies" {such as myself} in the blogging community than you will EVER know. Thank you so very much. What inspirations EACH of you TRULY are! :)
ReplyDelete~Amanda
Thanks for all the super great info. I too LOVE blogging it is so fun for me to make things and share and get ideas from other people. I have been blogging for over a year now. Have been nervous to do adds on my blog because I just don't know much info about it. So thanks to all the girl how took the time to write up a little info for us newbees!
ReplyDeleteLindsay @ Country Girl Home
Thank you all for sharing such a wealth of information, and being open! I've been thinking about sponsors, ads, managing everything (including my business services) and it's great to hear common oppionions from experienced bloggers! Love your site.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the helpful information! When my blog began i didn't even start it...lol my little sister said I needed a place to show off my crafts and a leg up in starting a shop to sell my crafts. I had no clue that you could earn money from a blog. My blog only started last spring and I do not feel that I am anywhere near taking the plunge on any income making from my blog. Now I know where to look for advice when I am ready. Thank you and your other listed blogs for putting it all out there for newbies such as myself. :)
ReplyDeleteHappily Following,
Ashley @ Thereisnoplacelikehomemade
Hey, Sarah, I don't have a blog obviously, but I thought this was interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is sooo great that you LOVE what you do for your job. I feel bad for ppl who can't say that, or even come close. :( I also recognize that you put a lot of time & effort into this. I'm glad you don't view it as super hard 'work', but it is clearly a commitment, & takes time.
I'm glad you could post somewhat candidly about this for those who might glean a lot from it. I don't think about it too much at all that it is your "job", I get so much out of your blogs & all the detail; there is so much inspiration here. It's very valuable to me!
Thanks
Chrissy
Thanks for all the valuable info! I'm VERY new to blogging and am really enjoying myself. Now I have a wealth of information if and when I'm ready to take the plunge and start trying to earn some money from it! I love reading your blog and it helped motivate me to begin my own.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!
WOW, I am amazed by everything I am learning about blogging. I just started a blog a week ago and I am amazed how easy it is to write about my crazy life. I started my blog and now I am looking around to see what I can learn about them (yup, backwards I know) It is defininately a bit overwhelming but exciting too. Thanks for the great information!
ReplyDeletea very interesting read =) I am so glad you addressed just how much one can make by blogging. I really have no idea if you girls were talking about making $500/yr or $50k/yr. No clue! ha! I suppose it's all in how hard you work on it, but knowing that it's a 'full time income' amount gives me an idea! Reading this post makes me realize I am (and my blog) no where near ready to monetize. I don't post often enough, and I'm just so darn busy with my 2 littles, and a 3rd babe due in a few short months. However, one day, if I choose to stay home rather than return to my career (as a vet, which I'm not sure I could ever stay away from for long-those critters are just so dang sweet!), then perhaps a blog career is something to consider =)
ReplyDeleteI just posted a comment and I didn't even do that right! yes, I am new!! My name is Mary, not just Prytulka!! ha ha
ReplyDeleteThis has been one of the most helpful posts I have ever read! I've blogged for a long time, but have never taken the time to research the different ways to monetize. I've been working for free for way too long, and this gives me so many great places to start making money. You have no idea how much I appreciate the ideas!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU... all of you, for your honesty. So often I see bloggers who are making an income discouraging other bloggers from doing the same. I don't think they mean to but still, some of the things they say discourage. The truth is you can make an income with online projects. I make almost as much as I did when I worked full time and I don't have a blog with an audience as large as yours or the other (fantabulous) ladies who are doing the series. So... it can be done. Thanks for paving the way for all of us. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not looking to make money from the blog but who would say no to some extra moolah? That said, Ladies, your advice and timelines are so helpful. I'm posting daily at this point in time but I also have a full-time job so I hear you saying patience, patience. Great post; that's why we log your blogs. Jo @ Let's Face the Music
ReplyDeleteI love blogging about my family. I would love for my blog to go in a new direction but not sure how to transition it. I had absolutely no idea that you could make money blogging. Thank you fo this post! I look forward to reading more on this series! -Jessyka
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for this series. It's so enlightening! As a new blogger, I can't even fathom the possibility of generating any income from my blog. I LOVE blogging and will do it for as long as I am able, but blogging takes a TON of time and work and heart. Anyone who thinks it should be free has no idea of the amount of energy and sweat and tears put into it. I had NO IDEA! But it fits me and I would love to help my family while doing what I love. Thanks a gazillion! Bloggity, blog, blog, blog...just thought I add to your 847...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being so real! This is such a great series! Your post today is one of the most honest posts I have ever read about the subject. I've been blogging for a little over a year. Mostly I just stalked the blogs I love for far too long. Now I have found my voice! My readership is growing slowly but surely. It's great to know that in time....I could actually make a little money doing what I truly love! Thanks for sharing! I say get your money on girl ~ ads don't bother me a bit! I would love to learn any tips you have about growing your followers, any suggestions???
ReplyDeleteLove this series! I'm a newbie blogger and started it to showcase client projects, my own projects and to provide decorating and organizing tips. I've only been at it for 4 months and I'm in love. Who knew blogging could be a business, but it's the direction I'm heading and I think you are right in saying it's the best job ever! I hope to be doing it full time some day.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your honesty about how to make money on your blog and the different resources that are out there. I started my blog to support my hobby of refurbishing and selling antiques and vintage furniture. I started out with AdSense as soon as I set up my blog because it seemed to be the thing to do. I just recently removed all the ads because I felt it detracted from my blog and may be irritating to some followers. I have been blogging for about 6 months and I started out with one blogging goal in mine but (like you mentioned) may now be headed in another direction. lol Who knows where I'm headed but I do love to blog and when or if I get ready to start using blogging for an income I will certainly be referring back to what you ladies have shared. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being so honest about your experience making money blogging. This has been very helpful! I love your blog by the way, I don't know if I've ever commented before.
ReplyDelete-Diana
Thank you soooo much for this post! I am really enjoying this series and am so grateful for all of the great info you shared! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. This series is just what I was looking for. I'm new at blogging and truly appreciate your tips. I look forward to the photography one too. My photos don't do justice to my projects:). Thank you to all five of you for taking time to give us the tips!
ReplyDeleteKim www.plumberrypie.blogspot.com
This is so interesting. Would you say that if you hope/wish to embark on the steps for "making money" with your blog you absolutely MUST post every day, 5 or 7 days a week?
ReplyDeleteI work full time and post only twice a week, I used to post 3 times a week but don't imagine I could manage 5 days a week with my full time job...just curious.
Thanks,
Karen
Thanks for the awesome post! I have been blogging for a year and I've enjoyed watching it grow. Your tips are ALWAYS on point and I really feel like you're my friend (in my head, lol). It's also amazing to see how success is just a few clicks away... Congrats and best of luck in 2012.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sarah!! I'm really loving this series you girls are doing!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post - very informative!
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWow...you have given me so much to think about. My blog is not very big..just a baby compared to yours, however I have had many requests for sponsorship and have always said no thanks. Maybe I should give it some thought...if others think my little blog worthy of an add, maybe I should also. Hard to wrap my mind around it...maybe that means I'm not ready yet?
Thanks for your insight and honesty...great post.
janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
What a perfect, honest post! Thank you so so much for all the insight, I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sarah for sharing your secrets. I am new to blogland...I've been serious about it for about 6 months. I have wondered often how all this "adnertising" works. Thanks again! Tabitha @ simplyhomecents.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHow do you handle paying taxes? DO these companies send W2 forms? I think that is what scares me the most!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Sarah!!! Loving this series....and you girls. ;-)
ReplyDeletexoxo
shaunna
Hi! Loving this series! Been blogging for a little over 4 months and someone finally told me a couple weeks ago about adsense :) I do blogging for a hobby and love all the new friendships and connections I have made. That is why I blog. I find this post fascinating b/c I had no idea bloggers made $ until recently. I'll certainly bookmark this for future reference :) Thank you so much for sharing & explaining!
ReplyDeleteAnother rookie blogger here, SO appreciative of the wise voices offering this series! Thank you thank you thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great series. I do a few different forms of advertising and it's been good hear and there for things that pop up. Would love to be able to generate more so we too can get out of debt quicker!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the great info ladies!!
ReplyDeleteNot a blogger. I'm a high school teacher who happily hobbies as a DIYer with her handy husband. I found your blog first when looking for playroom ideas and that led me to others. As a comment from someone who just likes to read DIY and home decor blogs for fun and informative ideas, I find giveaways pretty annoying. I don't know of others feel this way, but the more a blogger holds them, the less often I'll check in on the blog. it's like the sweepstakes insert in a Women's magazine...I never enter them because it's a waste and if they were every other page of the magazine, I wouldn't buy it anymore. Just some food for thought. It's great that you can make money doing this, and nice of you to share your know-how with others interested.
ReplyDeleteSarah, thanks for the info. It is definitely something to think about. Normally blogs with ads do not bother me. I don't like the pop-up ads in the middle of the screen or the big flashing banners. I am usually there to read the blog content and honestly have never clicked an ad on a blog unless it was regarding blog backgrounds, support, design, etc. thanks again for the info,
ReplyDeleteKathy,Petticoat Junktion
Thank you so much for your advice! It's so inspirational to see you ladies loving what you do and getting recognition for it. I hope I can be in your shoes giving out similar advice someday!
ReplyDeleteI adore you ladies! I feel like I'm getting to have a mini-mentoring session. Even though I've been at this 2 years I find that daily I'm learning something new & that one of the things I love most about blogging land is that all these amazing people are willing to share their knowledge - so heck, ha... if you can get paid too... wahoo!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful, particularly the specific companies you choose to work with! While I knew "bigger names" in the blog world made money blogging, I didn't realize it was possible for smaller names. I was about 5 months into blogging when readers started emailing me telling me to add affiliate links to some posts where I linked to books sold on Amazon. I've since added an Amazon widget in my sidebar and had affiliate links in maybe 3-4 posts total. Just that little bit completely paid for many things that I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. I'm not saying this to pump myself up, but just because it wasn't mentioned yet and it might be helpful for others. I had no idea you could make that much in 6 months, just by posting a widget on your sidebar. I'm just not coming up on my 1 year anniversary and will probably start looking into this more in the coming year. Thank you so much for this series!
ReplyDeleteOh this is TERRIFIC info! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've got to say that reading about the income potential - even if it happens over time - is VERY EXCITING!!!
I've decided to get serious about my blog this year, since decorating & blogging is what I LOVE! The idea that there's a possibility for real money - that's the gravy!
Thanks again for sharing!
This has been extremely informative and yet brings more questions. LOL! I've had a blog since 2008, mainly for my own enjoyment. Only in the past year have I decided to expand on it more publicly. It sure has not grown by leaps and bounds, like others have mentioned their successes here. I just recently added Google Adsense to mine. Awaiting possible approval from BlogHer. I'm not really trying to create an income, but any chunk of supplement would be nice.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading more on this and the other topics the other ladies will be covering. I've been reading from the beginning and hope to grow to have a better blog in the end! Thanks!!
Very helpful post. I read your other post, No More Mondays, and wanted to cry. I have wanted to be able to work from home since my son was born. Thanks for sharing what has worked for you and how you got your start. I feel encouraged!
ReplyDeleteWe were one of your first paid advertisers... way back then! You were a pleasure to work with and we got a lot of traffic from your site. And let me say, the day you featured our fleece sheets (that you love), I was over the moon.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work sistah... Love your ideas.
Thank you. I really appreciate all of your help. I love my blog but have reached a crossroads where it is taking on a whole lot of my time. I spend more time on the computer than I did when I was "working." It is good to know that I have options of trying out ads in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome series! Thanks so much to all of you gals for giving us such good advice and tips! And Sarah - you da bomb girl...
ReplyDeleteSuch a great series! I so appreciate all the wisdom and advice from all of you fantastic bloggers. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI totally remember when your ads were $10 - I had one on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an informative and interesting post. Even though my blog is small, and I don't devote as much time to it as I used to, it was still awesome to read how you ladies have all turned your dedication to blogging into a real income!
Thanks for the info. We have been at it a year, have good writing, a professional site, a unique blog concept (mother/daughter in two parts of the country at two stages in our lives), but we just aren't getting the viewers we want. We are doing this as a hobby and to keep us connected, but darn, I would be happy with 2000 viewers a day. How do we grow that number? Help! We need a mentor.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteThis post was SO helpful to read!! I have been reading TDC and all the other blogs from you ladies since this past October's 30 day series.
One of my goals of this year is to start moving toward making money on my blog. It's definitely not a big blog (and I don't know if it every will be), but I really enjoy it and I know that it is something I can stick with. My pageviews have grown a lot since October, but I'm weighing the pros and cons about starting to make money now - just a year into blogging.
After reading this post, I think I've decided to focus more on growing my readership while I continue to look into making money.
LOVE this post! Thanks for sharing the different views from other bloggers...I think this will inspire quite a few people either to start writing a blog...or check into the ways to make money at something they are already doing.
ReplyDeleteI linked this post to my blog so my readers could see it too!
Thanks so much for the info! I'm off to read more of your blog and some of the other advice from your partners in this series.
ReplyDeleteFound you through Late Night Coffee.
My blog is always a work in progress. I'm a Reseller (thrift finds flipped online) but I love the aspect of reusing preowned items...either upcycling, or just finding them a new owner.
I struggle with who my audience is: other Resellers? Customers? Vintage lovers?
Oh well...it'll all come together someday. :)
Thank you so much for offering such great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at how well other commenters are doing in (many cases) a short short period of time. It makes me embarrassed to reveal my meagre visits/day and complete lack of money earned through Adsense. haha Oh well, I enjoy it.. that's the most important, right? ;)
Thanks again!
I have had a blog for several years... really started out just for family... the Facebook came along... and so that replaced where I would post pix for family etc. My blog became mostly a place that I would post recipes for friends that were always asking for them so I didn't have to keep typing them up.... I guess I set up AdSense a long time ago but never used it... tried getting it setup this morning and a few hours later I got a message saying my account was denied due to "difficult site navigation" HELP! I am trying to figure how to reformat my blog maybe the way my title or header is set up? A long time ago 4 years or so when I started it I used a title and put some codes in for my title bar... but I really need to change it... any advice would be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this very motivating and helpful post. I just hit my one year mark in November and the income is slowly coming in. I love what I do but was curious if it was possible to make a serious income. It's nice to know that there could be some yummy icing on the cake! I am always inspired by all of you!
ReplyDeleteRenee
This is really really helpful. My blog is still quite small almost a year in, but who knows what the future will bring! Thank you for the honest insight to the opportunities and different options available!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post, Sarah. What a wonderful idea for a series! I appreciate the work you all are putting into this.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are able to get paid well for your work here. I'm also glad that you enjoy it, but it's certainly work--you spend a lot of time on it, I know. I remember talking to you when you were doing decor consultations for people and you decided to raise your prices a little bit. Some folks thought it was terrible for you to charge more (although I remember that your higher rates were still really low--a great bargain for people!). I think it's just true that some people are very uncomfortable talking about money, and others are just plain jealous. I hate to say that, but it's true, and it's a shame. It seems that blogging, like most other pursuits, requires that you have a pretty thick skin!
Okay, I'll shut up now. This comment is getting to be ridiculously long. But it really does make me so happy to see your success. I'm so proud of you!
Wow. You are so impressive. I agree with so many of the comments. You work hard and have earned the success forging a path for us newbies. I am addicted and would love to replace the corporate gig some day as well. Gotta take care of the Dave Ramsey program first. Paying on mortgages now!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do!
Thank you! That is a great post, and so helpful to new bloggers like myself. It's great of you all to share your experiences, and in a positive way that is so encouraging. Thank you thank you thank you!!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post on an interesting subject! I think the real elephant in the room is "how much money do you actually make?"! I suppose its just like asking someone how much they make in a more traditional job other than blogging, a sensitive subject, and not generally done! It always amazes me though people will tell you EVERTHING you may or may not have wanted to know about them but they won't tell you how much money they make.
And so while I think the tips were interesting I don't think they really answered the "elephant in the room" question - completely.
I think it's awesome people can make money off their blogs because it is a job, but some of the blogs are so full of ads that it's sometimes difficult to find the actual content because there's so much advertising going on that it's distracting. And when that happens, I give up and move on. Maybe there's a happy medium somewhere, or maybe it was just the blog layout on the ones I'm thinking about.
Anyway, great series, I'm all in for it and can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you!
Gail
This is a great post, thank you (and the other blog ladies) for demystifying the 'blog as a business' thing. Now, if only you could explain what a blog is to my parents...
ReplyDeleteContents is what makes a blog. You should have an updated article most of the time to maintain your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis was the most honest and thoughtful post - As a new blogger I am loving it more then I can say. It has introduced me to some wonderful people, and I will be forever grateful. Just today, I declined an ad placement on the blog exactly like you said in your post - I really wanted to feel confident about the where, how,what and why of how my blog will evolve and although my kids need to eat! I just love the blog too much to make any rash decisions. So thank you for showing us their is light at the end ..and that we can stick to our true voice. What a great initiative from you all, and it's very much appreciated. Jennifer @decaporter
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great advice. I don't charge the businesses for my giveaways. Hmmm. Might just start.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the amazing work here!!!
xo,
cristin
Oh, Sarah, thank you so much for being so frank and honest with your post. These are things that I've REALLY wanted to know (but were afraid to ask...teehee!) I'm trying to decide whether I want to take that "leap" with my lil' blog. I love blogging so much and would love to be able to devote even more time to it than my actual job! You've made me think this could, indeed, be a reality. Really appreciate all of the wonderful nuggets of information. And the honesty is completely refreshing!! LOVE it!
ReplyDelete{HUGS},
kristi
I am almost not convinced, though. Not convinced that I could 1. Gather as many followers as some of these blogs, and/or, 2. Make enough to actually give up my day job. However, this is the most informative blog info I have read, and i know armed with this, I can take my blog from "personal journal" (which is what it has primarily served as) to something people actually want to read, too. Thanks for the great series!
ReplyDeleteOh, just read what The Kramer Angle said above. I agree wuth the elephant in the room-- we still don't know just HOW lucrative blogging is. Would one brave soul be willing to share that info? We would so greatly appreciate it! Pretty please? :)
ReplyDeleteThis information is really helpful - but I really need dollar amounts. How much exactly are bloggers making? I'll break the ice: I "retired" from elem. education to parent at home. I currently have a local government job where I make about 12,000 a year. I'm able to choose my own hours for the most part. Next year, my son will be school-age, so I'm planning my next move..I think the most powerful thing we can do as women is be concerned with and share what we make - not as a petty comparison - but as "Is this viable for me?"
ReplyDeleteThank you for these great ideas. I can say Google Adsense works for me. I've had to experiment with ad sizes and placement. But over time, as you tweak it, you see ad revenue grow with traffic growth. Recently I've signed up with Shareasale.com so I can grab ads I know go with my blogs. Thanks so much for this post. ~GrannyEnchanted.Com
ReplyDeleteI'm not a home blogger but this was so helpful anyway. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSorry ladies -- I won't be telling the world what my income is. Call me old-fashioned. :) I understand your frustration -- I've been there, believe me. That's just too personal for me. If any other bloggers would like to share, you are more than welcome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous series! I have so much admiration and respect for each of you.
ReplyDeleteFunny, as I read through the comments, there were a few who asked the question that I think we're all wondering... exactly how much are we talking? It's not a polite question to ask at a dinner party, so a blog forum may or may not be proper either, but well....you guys brought up the topic of money so I guess the specific questions will follow :)
I suppose a gentler way of asking the question might be...
Are you making as much or more than a school teacher (who typically make around 50K I imagine)?
Thanks again ladies, this content is invaluable.
Cheers
Caren
I happen to stumble upon your blog and I absolutely love your advice. Thank you for being so honest and breaking it down so that anybody can understand.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I have a mostly sewing blog which is a medium size as far as sewing blogs go...they dont have nearly as big of a community as decorating and craft blogs simply because not as many people sew their own and their children's clothing but you really get to know other sewing bloggers. I am hoping to find an ad network that runs ads for this niche. Any thoughts? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's so natural for the questions to lead to "how much do you make then?" but I doubt any of us are going to put that here online. However, we all have become very familiar with what is worth it, what isn't and how much money to expect from certain ads. Most of us figured that out by getting to know other bloggers in our niche, that our our same size, age, whatever you want to call it. I would encourage anyone who is serious about taking their blog more series to get to know other bloggers in their niche, their size, their blog's age and make friends and talk about the money. I've made some dear friends blogging and I consider a few as mentors who have helped me know if I'm charging enough or too much for things.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I cannot stress enough how much insight I've learned from blogging conferences. Blissdom, Haven, Relevant, Savvy Blogging, Type A, there are a million and it's the perfect place to really ask the questions in a small group or one on one.
I know bloggers who could make money with ads and choose not to {my sister at Chatting At The Sky} and I know bloggers who have been really open with the fact that they make money blogging and have used that to help pay cash for a house--Money Saving Mom. {hey wouldn't we all love to do that? I promise if I ever do that I will TELL YOU ALL!}
Need more advice about making money blogging? Learn from the best: Problogger.net
Wow! Thanks for cutting through all the cr@p-sorry, can I say that? You ladies ROCK :) My little blog gets around 2500 pageviews a month, and I really need to find the right direction to go with it. If you ever pop over to visit me, let me know what you think...good, bad, or ugly.
ReplyDeleteif this is not to nosy - I was wondering if you could email me and let me know what you charge for hosting giveaways (I assume you have various price ranges for what you host)
ReplyDeletetiarstantrums@gmail.com
Such great tips for new bloggers! Just started my blog recently and appreciate the advice!
ReplyDeleteCallie at Bennett Love
www.callie-lynch.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for this series! I have only been blogging for 2 months and still have so much to learn. I think you 5 ladies are so generous sharing your experiences and tips with us newbies in the blogging world!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm fairly new to blogging and never really imagined making real money off my blog, but wouldn't that be ideal? Congrats to you!! I'm sure it took a TON of work and quality content to reach that point. Thanks for writing!
ReplyDeleteHello! This post (and the whole series) came at just the right time for me. I think I've read it through three times now ;-) AS I was thinking about it I started wondering...When you first started with advertising on your blog, did you have to worry about sales tax/income tax/whatever right away?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post! I'm brand new to blogging and started out just for fun bc people were asking to see the furniture I was working on. Then people started telling me I could make money from my blog, I put up some ads, and I think I've earned a total of $8. LOL. I am thankful for any and all advice! Love your blog! So glad I found it. ;)
ReplyDeletewww.paintinginportland.blogspot.com
The post on Google ads and how you have made a living blogging is so inspiring. I've been blogging for years but never stick with one blog until now. I've really gotten into it and it's one thing I really look forward to in the evenings is posting a blog and finding ideas for a post. I'm recently engaged so this is a way for me to share my wedding inspiration with others and my hobbies!! I am using Google adsense but just started so I really don't know what to think of it.
ReplyDeletehttp://barnyardchic.blogspot.com/
Great article! It really helps those who succeed online. Wish I can use this blogging in some of my online businesses. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT post! Definitely felt like I learned a lot from you ladies - thank you much!
ReplyDeleteThanks girls for all your ideas, advice and helpful resources! I've been blogging now for almost three years, 5 days a week and am ready to up the ante, income-wise. I have been using Google Adsense but am now seeking other ways to diversify. I believe good content is king and it definitely shows by way of Google Analytics, Pinterest, and FB "likes". As for commenters...what is your best advice on how to "pull readers in" as a blogger, where they feel compelled to actively participate or interact via comments?
ReplyDeleteY'all ROCK! Again, thank you so much. Woop!
P.S. My email is skaie@homejelly.com. (wink!)
ReplyDeleteI'm quite a few months late reading this but I love everything you've said. I've followed you since you started blogging, which was coincidentally around the same time I started blogging. I love blogging, it's my passion. "Meeting" other women online, and sometimes in person and being able to inspire them means more to me than the money. Of course, the money is what allows me to stay at home and do what I love. Great tips, I agree with them all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Ashley
http://EmbracingBeauty.com
http://Beauty4Moms.blogspot.com