As a blogger, I often encounter the same inquiry: “Are you making money from your blog?” It’s curious that people feel the need to ask about financials—how often do strangers discuss salaries in other professions? I suspect that such conversations are unique to bloggers, particularly mothers. However, since the question arises frequently, I’ll address it: Yes, I do earn money through blogging, but it’s not nearly as much as one might think.
Over the past three years, I’ve treated blogging not just as a job but as a combination of a job, a hobby, a passion, and even a new addition to my family. The effort I’ve dedicated to this blog surpasses that of any previous job, possibly more than all my past roles combined (which, if I’m being honest, highlights my shortcomings as an employee). If I were compensated for every hour I’ve invested in this site, I’d likely be wealthier than I am now. Unfortunately, the blogging realm operates differently.
Initially, when I started this blogging journey, monetization was the last thing on my mind—it was simply a hobby. A few months in, inspired by other blogs, I decided to try placing some Google ads on my site. After several months without earning a cent, I removed them.
A year into blogging, I joined BlogHer’s ad network, earning around $60 monthly. However, given the space these ads occupied, it didn’t seem worth it. I removed the ads and went two more years without any advertising. Recently, I partnered with Federated Media through Clever Girls, which I believed would finally yield substantial income. However, despite having over half a million page views last month, I discovered that the ads only appeared on a fraction of my pages, and I am compensated only when those ads are clicked or displayed.
Thus, advertising alone is unlikely to generate significant income unless you’re attracting millions of page views each month. Moreover, once you factor in costs for coding, hosting, and modifications, recouping that investment becomes essential. Here are some viable options for monetization:
1. Sponsored Posts
Earnings can range from ten dollars to thousands for a single sponsored post. While I wouldn’t write about a product for a mere ten dollars, a two-thousand-dollar post could entice me. However, choose wisely; an overload of sponsored content can disengage your readers.
2. Sponsored Campaigns
Similar to sponsored posts, these involve promoting a product or service over a specified period. Always ensure you genuinely support the company or product; I once promoted a film that turned out to be disappointing, leading to a valuable lesson.
3. Freelance Writing
Writing for external sites can provide either exposure or financial compensation. Fees can vary widely, but sometimes the exposure gained, such as my recent piece for CNN, is worth more than the monetary aspect.
4. Product Reviews
While I’m not suggesting you accept small-value gifts, I have happily reviewed and given away high-end products that I couldn’t normally afford. Be aware that you’ll need to account for taxes on any items received, so ensure they are worth the expense.
5. Job Opportunities
Numerous bloggers have transitioned their passion into full-time employment. For example, I worked for a year with a well-known children’s network, landing the job directly through my blog. Your blog can serve as a powerful resume today.
It’s crucial to understand that these opportunities won’t materialize overnight. If you’re in search of quick cash from home, blogging may not be the best route. However, if you’re ready to commit to hard work for years, the rewards could eventually be worthwhile.
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Summarizing, while blogging can offer various income avenues, success often requires dedication and time. Consider exploring sponsored content, freelance opportunities, and product reviews as potential pathways to profitability.
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