I started blogging in 2007 as a hobby – more of an online, shareable scrapbook than anything else. Like many others entering the blogging world, I was clueless. I didn’t know the terms of the trade – blogosphere…html…social media…monetize. And I certainly couldn’t have predicted how much I would end up loving blogging.
As my blog migrated from a casual hobby to something a bit more, well, time consuming I admit I began looking for ways to make a little money. I heard that other people were doing it, and as my blogging began costing me money (hosting, design, etc) and time (unless you’ve done it before yourself, you’d be amazed how much time it takes to run a successful blog. It’s not only about writing posts) I began trying out new ways to monetize my blog. I love blogging, and I wanted to make sure I could justify the time I spent doing it.
There are several ways that I have used to make a little money from blogging. Some methods have been more successful for me than others, and not all methods are a good fit for every blogger. Here are my top 10 methods for monetizing a blog:
- Sell your own ads. I love hosting sidebar ads, but I admit that they are often difficult to come by. I spent a period of time actively seeking ad spots by contacting companies I’d worked with or that I admired with an online presence, but ended up settling on letting the ad requests come to me naturally.
- Write sponsored posts. Honestly, I enjoy writing sponsored blog posts. Like this post, I am often challenged to write about a subject I normally wouldn’t cover, but which I believe could benefit or be interesting for my readers.
- Submit articles to other websites for pay. Paid posts on other sites “pay” twice: once in the form of a fee and second in the form of deep links back to my own website and potential new traffic.
- Short-term gigs. I have been able to come across dozens of smaller gigs, ranging from brand surveys to Facebook or twitter hosting. I love the small jobs I find on Gigcoin.
- Social media consulting. Once you have established your online presence and social media savvyness, you can branch out to help other bloggers and brands grow their online presence.
- Community leader positions for other websites. As websites grow, they cannot be managed by a single person. I have loved initiating and supporting discussion on websites. it’s truly a job I love!
- Ambassadorships with brands. Ambassadorships have been some of my favorite monetizing methods. I love the long-term relationships that I have developed working closely with brands like Fishful Thinking.
- Text links in the sidebar. Text links are quick and easy, and although Google cautions against selling text links within posts, I have had a lot of success with my sidebar links. I use LinkWorth.
- Google adsense. Beginners tend to start with Adsense, but it’s been my experience that unless you have pretty steady traffic, it’s going to take a really long time until you reach the pay-out threshold.
- Affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing can be a huge success, but unlike posting a simple ad graphic, it requires some additional buzz to make it a success. I make it a point to search for products and services that I can stand behind, and some of my favorite products to promote are ebooks that fellow bloggers have written, such as 30 Days to Make and Sell a Fabulous Ebook, and Mom Blog SEO
What have been your most successful and your favorite methods of monetizing? Or are you a newbie to blog monetizing? Did I miss any key methods? Please share ideas here.
Disclosure: This post does contain affiliate links (surprise!). The thoughts and experiences mentioned, and the 10 methods of monetizing a blog are my own ideas. The top image of money is a clip art image from Microsoft online.
© 2011, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Thanks for this post! I love blogging as well, and I have been making some money with it, but I am looking to turn it into a full time business if possible. It’s a big goal, but with great articles like this one, I feel like I am getting a little closer every day.
And you were SO right about blogging being more than writing. The thing I am struggling with is all of the technical things I want to do, but I do not have any clue how to do. I’m learning…but there is just so much to learn!!
This was a helpful article although as a beginner, I didn’t understand it–would you be willing to do a few more articles covering some of these subjects more in depth?
Great article, Lolli!
Oh, yes. I totally agree!!
I’m so glad that you could get something out of it! :)
After finally deciding I wanted to monetize my site for sure I am a Brand Ambassador for the first time and I am so passionate about the company. I agree there are several ways to make money on your blog, my suggestion would be to be true to yourself and only advertise/affiliate with companies that you really trust in and like yourself, but that’s just my opinion. Thanks L for the great post!!
I’ll buy one :))
Thanks! I was hoping to create something that could be useful to other bloggers. There are so many opportunities out there. :)
That’s great, Amy! I only listed methods that I have tried personally, and so far I haven’t sold anything myself. I have toyed around with the idea of selling my hats…but I doubt I will. :)
I am so glad that you visited m site today and commented! Otherwise I would have missed this post. I am just starting to get into this, which is tough. I am relatively clueless about blogging and monetizing so this has been very helpful.
Thank you!!!!
This blog post serves two purposes:
1. Great information for me. Bookmarked. Saved. Email link to self. In other words, I don’t want to lose this post.
2. Sponsored posts rock. That’s for you. ;)
XOXO
You left out one category that is actually my biggest source of income: Creating and selling your own products! Whether its’ an e-book, or a physical product, I definitely consider that part of my blog income, considering that is how I get the word out.
Great article!!