Can you make a living as a blogger anymore?
Oh man, I’ve gotten this question so many times since creating my blog in 2013. When I started my business, everyone was busy selling sidebar ads, and sponsored posts were a hot commodity. As such, many people came to believe that this was how you turned blogging into a career. It was like our collective mantra was, “with a healthy dose of affiliate links and sponsorships, I could be rich!” Well, that didn’t turn out to be the case at all. #bummer
Instead, this has led many bloggers to feel unsuccessful for not earning huge amounts of cash from these “traditional” forms of revenue. It also means that bloggers try for years before they ever earn a cent. Guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way! You can still earn a whole lot of money as a blogger, just not in the way you’re thinking.
And before we dive in, sign up for my FREE Blog to Biz training series. It’s gold, yo, and you’re gonna learn how to turn your blog into a profitable and popular one. 🙂
First of all, ads + sponsorships are not the answer.
This is actually how I started earning income on my blog. When my website was still a baby, I began selling sidebar ads for $10 a pop, eventually working my way up to $150 ads as my traffic and following increased. At its peak, I had 30 ads on my sidebar, which were earning me about $700-800 per month in total. At the time, it felt great, since I was still in my first year of blogging and never expected to earn anything at all.
But let me tell you, running sponsorships is a LOT of work and I eventually realized that the income I was making just wasn’t worth it for how much time I needed to invest. I also began to realize that having 30 ads for other blogs on my sidebar was diluting my brand. I put so much time into MY blog, and here I was, escorting people away. I started to cut back on sponsorships, until eventually I did away with them all together.
Similarly, ad networks (like Google Adsense and BlogHer) have done little for my wallet. At one time, my blog was receiving about 170,000 pageviews and 75,000 unique visitors per month. How much did I make from ads? About $300. $300! That’s barely enough for a car payment, let alone a full-time income. Imagine how much traffic or how many ads you’d need in order to make a full-time income from having ads on your site. It’s just not feasible unless your site is enormous.
So, blogger buddy, I urge you to think bigger (and differently).
A lot of bloggers think that to be a full-time blogger, you need to earn money from ads and sponsorships. Pull that mindset out of your brain, friend! It ain’t doing you any favors.
Instead, think of your blog as a hub for your brand, a marketing tool, and the perfect platform to launch a product or service that WILL make you a whole lot of moolah.
My main money-makers these days are online courses and affiliate partnerships.
So, if you want to earn money as a blogger, it’s a-ok to abandon “traditional” forms of making an online income and replace them with other things, like digital products and services. Not only will they make you more money, but they’re also things you can start selling now, even if your audience is fairly small.
Interested in launching a service or selling products through your blog? Good, because I created a FREE video series to help you hammer out the details and create a profitable and popular blog. Sign up here:
I have ideas for digital products, but haven’t taken the time to think through and plan. Possibly because I’m not sure where to start! I’m taking a look at your worksheet now…we will see what I figure out.
Thanks, as always, for such great resources!! Good timing, by the way. 😉
It can definitely be a lot to take in and plan at first. Hope the worksheet helps! 🙂
I’ve been trying to brainstorm ideas (and have a few now), but need to really flesh them out before I put the idea of them out in the public. Will definitely be using your worksheets to see where they can go (Thank you!)
My question is on the coaching front: Is it OK to offer coaching on something when you’re still working on that thing as well? Or should you wait until you succeed at some level to begin giving advice about it?
latest blog post @ activelygemma.com/blog
Great question, Gemma! I wondered the same thing when I started offering blog consultations a year ago. My answer is that YES it’s definitely possible, so long as you’re clear on what you coach about and don’t try to coach about something you don’t feel confident in. But even if you’ve been, say, blogging for only a year, there are plenty of things you’ve learned that a newbie blogger would want to learn and that you’d have the expertise to teach (not sure if you wanted to coach about blogging, but that’s just an example). 🙂
This is a BRILLIANT topic. I think that there are tons of possibilities for bloggers (which is exciting and scary), but as you said, we need to be more inventive than simply selling ads. I have read from others though that affiliate links can sometimes be lucrative… not sure what you think of that!
Glad you liked this, Daisy!
I think affiliate links CAN be lucrative, but it’s muuuuch more of a sure thing to sell your own services or products. Plus, many of the most lucrative affiliate sites take time because they are usually from old posts that have great SEO and appear in search results for some sort of niche topic. So, even if you have an affiliate post with potential, it will still take awhile (most likely) to start seeing that income. Better to devote most of your time to developing your own products. 🙂
This is so true – I’m working on this now. I offer private coaching – but I am working on developing more e-books/DIY resources to sell as well.
AND btw – thanks for making your pdf’s editable! So many people forget that people rarely use printers now-a-days. It makes the guides so much easier to use. xo
That is awesome, Kimberly! By the way, I’ve been loving your Snapchats. Makes me so happy to see you doing such awesome things.
And yay! I know how you feel. Whenever I download a PDF and it’s not editable, I’m just like “okay, I guess I’ll just look at it then.” haha!
I am totally in your camp on this one. One of my longer term goals is to offer blog business development workshops/courses/etc because I’ve realized that afilliate programs and things are great, but I’m making small amounts from other people’s work. I want to be the person to make the product and benefit that way while helping other people!
YES! That is so true. It’s like, people become bloggers so they can do their own thing and stop building someone else’s dream, but by focusing on affiliate links, they’re still doing exactly that.
I think I love you – no, really, I do. I have been re-thinking various things about my little blog … you have given me food for thought and I am going to have a brainstorm to try to think beyond the traditional!
Aw! I think I love you back. 😀 I’m glad to give you some food for thought, Molly. Hope it helps. 🙂
This is such a great article, because finding this information out on your own is such a slow burn. At the beginning, I read so many articles telling me that ads were where it’s at, but, like you said, that is so not the case! It makes more sense to treat a blog as a business or a place to advertise for your services/products.
Thanks for the knowledge!
xx Lane
Totally, Lane! I read allllllll those articles, too. Blogging changes fast and ads might have worked a few years ago, but definitely using your blog as a way to create your own products/services is the way to go now. 🙂
Love this post! I never really started my blog with the intention of making money. But, as a freelance writer, it has been such a great resource for me to send out to potential clients. It’s a great way for them to learn more about me, get a feel for my personal writing style, and see that I know how to interact with readers. I think of it as more of a “supplement” to my business!
xoxo
Kat 🙂
That’s awesome, Kat! I was the same way — never intended for it to become a business, but then again, I never realized how powerful a blog can be either. Glad it’s helping you land more clients, too! Do you advertise your freelance writing services on your blog?
I actually just went through a redesign on my blog! There’s a space for a banner advertising my business site on my blog, but I haven’t gotten around to adding that yet… it’s on my constantly growing list of things I want to do. One of these days! 🙂
This is such a great post! I have just really started to wrap my head around this reality, mostly thanks to Pat Flynn and SPI. I feel really encouraged by the idea of digital products, but am kind of stuck wondering how to determine what the right type of product is for my audience…any thoughts on how to go about that?
I love Pat Flynn!! That’s great that you’re thinking of selling a digital product. The best way I’ve found the right products and services for my audience is…by asking them! Put together a survey and share it on your blog and social media. 🙂 You may even want to come up with a few options that you think they might like and allowing them to choose. You might be surprised which one they want to know about most. 🙂
This post was SUPER helpful! Do you do SEO and all that technical stuff as well? I have a huge social following but for some reason my blog lacks pagevies and I’ve been stuggling with it for AGES!
Would love to hear from you…my email is stilettobeatss@gmail.com
x
Emily Jenny
StilettoBeats
I’m so happy to help, Emily! I definitely do SEO, mainly to get people to blog so they can see that I also have services. I also just responded to your email. Excited to connect! 🙂
Great post melyssa! I stopped offering sidebar ads because it felt like i was hustlin’ backwards. Putting in a TON of work for not much pay! I agree, you def have to think outside of the box in order to make a living from this whole crazy blogging thing.
I couldn’t agree more, Alisha! Glad you realized it, too. 🙂
I’ve always disliked ads especially animated ones and pop-ups. Accidentally clicking on one, being sent somewhere, and trying to get back to what you were reading is frustrating :/ Plus, I’d rather use my blog to promote myself and what I can do rather than someone else!
How did you decide on the types of packages you offer for design services and consulting? Did you notice more success with packages versus leaving the process open-ended for potential clients?
I totally agree, Monica!
And that is a GREAT question! I’ve always gone the package route, but I think it works a whole lot better than saying, “here’s a list of my services, tell me what you’d like.” The reason being that most people don’t KNOW exactly what they want, so they expect your packages to include everything they’ll need at different price points/offerings. I’ve revised my packages a lot over the past couple years, mainly to reach different budgets and because I saw that people were asking for the same things over and over, so I just added them to packages. It helps to keep things organized, too. 🙂
Love it! I’m actually in the process of writing an e-book right now to add as a free digital download when people sign up for my e-mail list. Before now I never thought I had anything of interest to provide but then a light bulb suddenly clicked…I’ve been an entrepreneur for 3+ years, I’ve made pitch decks, built entire brands and have helped numerous people with strategies and more! 😀 I have never been a sidebar/banner ad fan, at least not on a main page. It seems counterintuitive to bounce people off your site straight away.
xx
Lauren Jade
Thank you for this comment, Lauren Jade! I love that you preach the same thing — it’s so true! Sounds like your freebie is amazing. I bet there’s a lot of value there.
love how practical your advice always is.
Currently I see my blog as an outlet and any money or freebies are just bonuses at this point; however, I’m glad to have your emails as a reference shouldI ever change direction
Thank you Shaunacey! Love your relaxed attitude — that’s the way to do it. 🙂
You’re ballin,’ Mel. I’m also convinced you live in my head because I’ve been coming up with crazy ideas for my blog and I am so excited (but very nervous) to launch my products and services. They are still the works but I read somewhere (might have been here) that giving away quality free stuff is a great way to establish your consumer base. I’m fortunate that the right people are coming to my blog and I can’t wait to give them the freebies I’ve been working hard to put out when the time comes. I am also looking forward to the products that I know they will enjoy and I’m just so freaking happy that I can be able to contribute to their pursuits in being difference makers in their own unique ways.
And now for the question: I know that building anticipation to launch a new product is great but considering the amount of products that I will launch down the line, is it really necessary to go all out with fanfare and confetti for each one? Don’t get me wrong; def not saying to not get excited about it (b/c OMG I will be) but isn’t doing a countdown or giveaway every time something is launched down the line doing the absolute most?
Hi Mary! YOU’RE ballin’, my friend. I so enjoy seeing the beautiful things you create and cultivate. That is amazing to hear that the “right people” are already coming to your blog — you must be doing the right things for that to happen! 🙂
Exciting to hear that you’re working on products. I think it depends on the types of products you’re launching to say whether they each need a huge launch and fanfare. Personally, I would focus on one at a time to build adequate excitement for each one (which will result in more sales/income for you and more people reached/lives touched for your customers). Plus, launching a bunch of products in quick succession can be pretty draining, but ultimately you call the shots in terms of the timeline. I wish I could be of more help, Mary! Best of luck with your products. I’m sure that no matter what you do, it will turn out beautifully. 🙂
Hi Mel, I subscribed to your mailing list two weeks ago. Thank you for the super helpful tips and tricks in blogging ♥
Live Blog Love by Hazel Asoy
Aw thank you Hazel! I so appreciate that. 🙂
This is such an insightful post, Melyssa! I have seen the past where I have made some money from blogging / blogging-related services that my design work or freelance writing is what makes more of an income. I would love to put more effort into these in the future when I have more free time. I have never been too much of a fan of blog sponsorship since it does take a lot of time and I think bloggers can support each other in other practical ways, too! But I am excited to go through this worksheet and build ideas! Thank you so much for changing perspectives on making money in the blogosphere!
Woohoo! That is SO amazing that you’ve been earning an income on your blog in so many ways. I can’t believe you’re a recent grad, you blow me away! I love that you mentioned that “bloggers can support each other in other practical ways.” Gosh, that is SO true and such a great insight. Thanks for sharing, Gina!
I’ve actually just quit being an affiliate and getting sponsors to provide me products for review since I narrowed my niche. I’m not really getting much from them. I would definitely like to launch a product that will sell, but my free stuff aren’t even selling that much. Going to update them as part of my blog branding. I’m planning on selling digital products but I don’t know how to set it up. What tools do I need? How is the payment going to be processed and all those stuff?
Stay awesome,
http://www.heidepadilla.com/
Hi Heide! That’s great that you’re going to update your freebies with your blog branding. I think that creating a consistent brand will definitely help you with selling your products and resources. For passive income info, check out this webinar that a couple of my friends hosted. Lots of useful info here! >> https://mariahcoz.leadpages.net/passive-income-webinar-live/
Wow, Melyssa. Thanks for sharing this link. I listened to it while I was at work and it was really helpful. I’ll probably go over it again and make sure to take down notes the next time. Thanks so much!
That’s so awesome, Heide! Glad you liked it. 🙂
I wish I had something to sell! :/
Honestly, I had no idea that I’d one-day be able to sell graphic design services. It’s just something that kind of fell together after trying a bunch of things (for fun) and finding something that I both enjoyed and that others needed. I recommend testing out different things to get an idea. If nothing else, you can always create an e-book with helpful information that your audience needs. 🙂
Thank you for your advice! You are the best! 😀
I’ve often wondered about how much someone can realistically make from AdSense, and it’s so helpful to have some perspective! I would love to be able to make a living from blogging or doing something related to the beauty industry, but I’ve struggled with figuring out how to make it financially feasible. I totally love the idea of a blog being a platform to support a business. Perhaps I’ll have to put my creativity to work and think about what I can offer!
Glad to shed some light, Lauren! And that sounds like an awesome plan. I definitely think we all have something we can turn into a business if we really think hard enough and experiment. 🙂
You write so well Mel! Love your posts! I thinking blogging is a really authentic way to launch your own business. People get to know who you are and what you stand for. It brings relationship and a hell of a lot of value to readers! You my Lovely are a prime example! 🙂
http://www.beaucience.co.uk
That is so kind of you to say, Cheryl. Thank you for that really sweet comment! Very glad you find value here — that is so awesome.
This is actually really great news for me because I’m just starting out with a new blog (2 weeks!) and don’t really love having ads. I think this is a much more fun way to offset blog costs. 🙂
Tooootally more fun, Holly! Glad to help. 🙂
Thinking outside the box is definitely the best way to earn money from blogging!
So, so true! Also, super fun, right?!
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog? I feel like I have half your blog bookmarked for future reference haha thanks for this post! I finally started making money from my blog within the last couple months and of course it’s through sidebar ads and affiliate links haha I’d love to find other ways to make money from it and really turn it into a job.
That is so sweet of you, Keating! Thank you. 🙂 I’m really glad you’ve found value here.
And that’s awesome that you’ve been making money on your blog. I still earn a little income from sidebar ads and affiliate links, so I know that it definitely can bring in some moo-lah and I’m happy to hear you’re having some success with it! I do think that brainstorming some ways to cultivate your own products or services will put your blog through the roof! Can’t wait to see what you come up with. 🙂
Melyssa
Like so many of your other followers, I keep all your posts stored and then regularly go back to read them. Gleaning something new each time I reread them.
You are so incredibly generous in the knowledge you share.
I personally am lost in this world of blogging, despite the fact that I have had a blog since 2010. I know that I am extremely Creative but I don’t seem to be able to pinpoint which skills I actually have that are saleable. But something keeps telling me to persevere, so I do 🙂
And I will continue to glean ever gem you share here on The Nectar Collective. Thank you for everything you give us.
<3
Pia
Oh my goodness, Pia! This comment is an absolute day-maker and one that I appreciate immensely. Thank you for such kind words.
I absolutely love your optimism. I felt similarly before starting my business. I had no idea what I could “sell,” but knew that if I kept persevering, something would eventually come to me. And it did! I definitely hope the same for you and I’m confident that with enough experimentation, you’ll find your something, too.
Thank you for being here, Pia. 🙂
Great post! So many people think bloggers make their money from ads and sponsorships. While this may work for some, having a specialized service to offer is a great money maker and provides incredible value! I started blogging and turned it into a branding & design service based business! Best decision I ever made! Thanks for sharing this!
xo Caroline
http://www.calijaedesigns.com
You totally hit the nail on the head, Caroline! And that’s wonderful that you turned your blog into a business with design. Ugh. Too awesome! 🙂
Really great post. I found this super interesting. With my blog the way it is right now, I don’t have any services to offer (I write about beauty and lifestyle), but it’s definitely something I have thought about doing in the next couple of years once I figure out what else I can offer.
Kristi | Be Loverly
Glad you found this interesting, Kristi. 🙂 I think that with enough experimenting, you’ll definitely find something that your audience needs and would love to purchase from you.
Even before I started I blog I thought that ads and sponsorships were how bloggers made their money. It was never my intention to make money as a blogger so I didn’t do ads or sponsorships or anything. A few months ago I realized that this was wrong haha. Thanks for the worksheets! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
haha! I think everything assumes that, right?! Most bloggers probably do earn an income from those sources, but I’d say that a bulk of their income is earned in other ways. Hope the worksheets help! 🙂
I’m so glad to actually see somebody say this. I have read so many things that say the opposite and it just never made sense to me. Also I never click on ads on other sites so I can’t imagine they are terribly effective for the companies buying them. Thanks for sharing.
haha I know right?! Glad you agree, Amy. 🙂
I signed up for your newsletter and I can’t wait to get started! Stoked I found your blog. I have google ad sense but it makes NO money, granted I don’t have as many views as you, but still it was a little shocking haha. I get the most value for my time spent on my blog through gifts and sponsored posts with actual products.
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com
Wow, Danika, thank you so much for signing up for the newsletter! 🙂 I’m stoked you found my blog, too. 🙂 That’s awesome that you’ve been making money through sponsored posts — adsense can be a real drag!
To be honest I find Adsense quite annoying and I have two ad block extensions in my browser. So you can imagine. I also think that by putting ad sense you hurt your website. The income you get from them is simply not worth it, we can spend our time doing much better things than this.
Thanx for sharing this with us!
I totally agree, Marwa! I need to get rid of the ads on my sidebar, too!
Before I started Love & Wonderful, my previous blog had 3 ads – Adsense, Blogger Network, and MediaNet. I had about 7000 pages views one day and averaged in about 21,000 pages views per month. All of these three ads earned me about $500. Making money with ads used to be the best way to generate revenue. Yes, it hurts for me to see that readers get annoyed seeing ads over my old blog. It was not worth it.
Glad to hear it wasn’t worth it for you either, Sam. It definitely did used to have more power, but I like how the shift is leaning toward having people create and sell their own products/services to make money, rather than promoting other people’s through ads. Pretty neat!
I have an old blog I am hoping to spruce up these next few months before launching a service in new year. I just hope I can be clever enough to get the right people to my site. Are affiliate programmes still beneficial? I know my service will be my main money bringer, but I dont want to just have all my eggs in one basket.
Affiliates *can* be effective if you use them the right way! 🙂 I actually wrote a full tutorial with my tips. I think it might help: https://melyssagriffin.com/writing-profitable-affiliate-posts/
I don’t know how I did before I knew your blog.
Your advices are sooooo amazing !! Now I’m becoming your biggest fan !!
I don’t know yet with which service I can make money. I really like to draw and to write. In real life, people say I can be coach. But I feel like being coach (as I’m seing coach myself) is like being an impostor (a scammer ??) : how can I advice people as I can not take advice for me ?
I will launch my first “freebie” tomorow and hope my readers will like it. This week end I have an intensive week end of coaching to build my company (for 2 days and a half) and hope I will get THE fabulous idea (oh and I’m infographist, so I think the idea may be selling note book or pencil or card or mug with my artworks… maybe… )
I think ideas are coming together, like each day I find one piece of the puzzle. I just need to have the final image ^^
Thanks again for your amazing wonderful blog !
Aw, thank you so much for being here! I truly appreciate you taking the time to read TNC! I definitely understand the struggle of finding your one “thing” to hone in on, it’s tough, Odile! It sounds like you’re taking the right steps to learn more about the topics you’re interested. I’m sure after you’ve spent some time learning more and more about your niche, you’ll figure out exactly what feels right for you. Good luck with your freebie and coaching this weekend! You are going to rock it girl! 🙂
So true! I’m working on it!
Yaaay! You got this, Elizabeth!! 🙂
Please check out my blog http://www.justaddgloss.blogspot.co.uk x
Not to be a b$%^ but i signed up in February for your email list. I have gotten 13 emails and not one has the password for the library
Hi Maria! Feel free to email hi@thenectarcollective.com and we’ll get you taken care with the password. Sometimes the email with the password ends up in your Spam or Promotions folder. >_<
Thank you for another awesome post Melyssa! Everything here is so inspiring, and resonates with me, but what advice do you have for those trying to figure out what products and services they can offer? I do feel the content in my blog offers advice and benefits my readers, but to what extent I can begin selling that advice and in what form, I’m stuck on. In other articles with advice similar to yours, people often say listen to what your readers are saying, what they want, etc. but what would your advice be for those who are still a relatively young blog?
Thank you so much for any and all feedback! You are the best!
– Leah
http://www.urban20something.com
So I actually have a free 21 day challenge called From Purpose to Product that you can sign up for! It’ll help you narrow in on a product idea 🙂
http://thenectarcollective.leadpages.co/purpose-to-product-challenge/
Great post Melyssa…loved reading it… you have penned down so beautifully… xoxo, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
Aw thanks so much for the kind words, Neha 🙂
Thankyou for this post Melyssa, its really helpful. I have been planning to venture into content management services, but I am not sure how can I start it from my blog. I mean, how do I launch it through my blog, wouldn’t they be two different brands?
Hi Hina! A blog is simply a medium to share helpful content to your clients/readers. You can certainly offer your content management services through your blog or vice versa have a blog on your content management services website. Good luck!
Thank you Melyssa for such a informative and helpful post! We are still new to blogging, so this post helped us a lot ^^
I’m so glad this post was helpful for you! Good luck and please keep me posted on your progress. 🙂
The main topics of my blog are entertaining and tech news/guides/tips etc, usually for services/products etc. I haven’t found a good way to either use a mailing service (other than for my latest blog posts) nor how I could earn money through selling products/services. Got any ideas? 😮
I write a green living blog and have lots of ideas for how-to products from freebies to complete guide e-courses. I get stuck mapping out all the details and also with the design aspect of the freebies I’ve created so far. Feel like I should come up with an overall look and feel for my products so they’ll feel cohesive. Any advice for how to wrap my head around it all?? ????
We have lots of amazing branding experts in my private FB group so I would definitely recommend asking for tips and help there. Good luck! 🙂
facebook.com/groups/blogandbizbffs/
Exactly. Nowadays people pretend they are going to be millionaire just starting a blog. Make living money deserve a lot of hard work and patience.
It sure does! Thanks for your insightful comment, Siful. 🙂
There is so much information to take in as a new blogger myself. These articles make me realize how much I have to learn and how much I really need to work on finding a focus and new design. Thanks for posting.
I’m glad this post was eye opening for you, Crystal! Best of luck and please keep me posted on your progress. 🙂
I don’t think digital products will go over well with my target audience. I’m considering opening a shop with physical products but am unsure how to do that without a huge budget. Also, should I wait until I have a big following before launching the shop?
Hi Sheree! You don’t necessarily have to have your own audience. You can always start selling your product on Esty first and growing from there.
Thanks Melyssa!
My pleasure, Mark! I hope this was helpful for you. 🙂
Thank you Melyssa I started blogging in 2014 and thought I could make money with Adsense and Amazon. After my first 3 months of ads I have made £3.44 ???? I have downloaded your business plan guide and am looking at selling ebooks and how to guides. I just need to write them.
That’s great! Keep up the good work and please keep me posted on your progress. 🙂
I’m not a seller type person. I don’t really want to launch a product or service. At least, I have no idea what I would do. I don’t really have an expertise in anything. Writing is what I do best and I can’t even do that all that well–not even as well as I thought, after my recent critique experience. “This is obviously the work of an untrained writer”. Wow. I’ve been writing 20 years (since I was 10). Well, maybe I just don’t have talent! I don’t know what else I can do…go back to school (I’m doing pet sitting now but I don’t want to keep doing it–and no, I don’t want to blog about it. I don’t want to be stuck with one thing, I want to move on. I care about international events and justice and writing fantasy novels)
Create a blog about your journey on writing fantasy novels (you can include justice and real world events into your stories 🙂 ).
Take your readers through all of your steps note your failures and success from what you are doing.
Create mini fantasy blog posts ie little short story’s where every blog is a fantasy idea you would like to turn into a book.
I am a weak writer as well.
To get better you just need to study good writers, take online classes, use online resources etc..
Taking a real class is always a great idea maybe night school or e-learning.
Dedication and hard work will move you from obviously the work of an untrained writer to someone who has clearly honed their skills.
also there are tons of people who point out stephen kings incorrect uses of story structure saying how he is a bad writer but no one can say he is not damn successful with his writing. As long as the public likes your story telling the hell with what is considered proper.
I have been working hard and taking classes. I have a Creative Writing minor. I have taken dozens of classes. You’d think it would make me at least a little better. I write almost every day. I have been thinking about getting a master’s degree. Something has got to take me somewhere. Because writing is my passion.
Thank you for the ideas!
Here are my self-published stories in case you want to see what the writing is like:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JM1XFCI
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZA8BCFE
(I have had several stories published in magazines too)
This is lame. Your way of making money off your blog is to direct people to your blog coaching business? This is the equivalent of saying “I’ve made a fortune in the real estate business and now I want to help you do the same!” You are running a modern internet version of Trump University, or any other age old real estate seminar scam.
Look, perhaps you are correct to say that blogging just isn’t a viable source of income. But the fact that your main business is a internet based seminar scam, your business acumen 100% deteriorates your credibility.
Thanks Melyssa. Great post and very helpful.
I just want to also point out a link on this post that is directing to a 404 …
The text is – web design studio and blog coaching program
Great catch, Richard! 🙂 I no longer run my blog design and coaching services, so I will go back in and update this post. Thank you!
Excellent blog. We are in the age of direct marketing. If you want to make money off your blog, you need a product or service.
Absolutely, Joseph 🙂 I’m glad you agree!
Thank you for the blog! I’m wanting to blog in order to gain attention for my bookkeeping services. Am I narrowing my blog too much if it only contains accounting information?
Hi Kat, that’s a great question. Accounting is actually a perfect niche. There are a lot of bloggers and entrepreneurs that don’t have a grasp on this information, and this is where your blog could become an invaluable resource for them! Think about different topics people would search for pertaining to accounting, and create articles/blog posts based off of those topics and questions.
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Hi i have a blog About a teachers life.but I find it hard to find a product to sell. I have been thinking about lesson ideas en worksheets etc. but a lot of those things you can get for free on the internet. So I don’t think people would buy it from me. What do you suggest?
Hi Michelle! 🙂 I feel like you could definitely sell lesson plans and curriculum to other teachers. I could even see this being popular as an Etsy shop, or selling digital printables. Could you niche down into a specific grade, so all of your content reflects that grade? (i.e. Grade 4, or Kindergarten?)
Ive tried to think of ideas but its harder than I thought. I blog about EVERYTHING in my life. From my daily hobbies/interests to the many ways I make money online. Id like to come up with some video courses, just not sure what about yet, as I blog about everything from how our health insurance system sucks all the way to the best snowboard bindings of 2018 lol.
I hear that, Garrett! 🙂 I really recommend finding your focus and developing a blog and corresponding products around that topic. I recommend reading this article: https://melyssagriffin.com/choose-a-focus-for-your-blog/
As a millennial, I found your article interesting in many dimensions. Most people blog, including me >> https://theorganicmillennial.com/>> but we find it hard to monetize our blogs effectively. Maybe 2018 will offer more insights and we shall definitely follow your tips! Cheers
Yes, would love to have you follow along, Joseph! There are many different ways you can monetize your blog, and the industry changes every year. I’ve noticed a huge shift towards video and creating evergreen funnels. 🙂
Great post Melyssa! At what point should a blogger start web hosting? I want to monetize my blog but I can’t invest too much right now as I’m paying off debt AND saving for a house :O
Hi there, Napunzel 🙂 I recommend having a self-hosted blog as soon as you can (or at least a custom domain!), but if you are unable to do so financially, just keep creating great content, and the readers will follow!
This post is so on point. As a newbie blogger 3 years ago, that was the mindset I had due to most bloggers’ posts about affiliate marketing and ads, now I know better. Brands are busy asking to pay 5$ and $10 for a post. Seriously.
Thanks for sharing. I’m working on starting my own business soon, I’m just waiting for the money.
Good luck with your business! 🙂 Definitely do it for the passion first – the money will follow. 🙂
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Melissa,
This may sound a bit odd, but what is your passion that you want to blog about, doesn’t really lend itself to monetization. During this time of covid, and unemployed, I’ve decided what’s important is to do something that you’re passionate about, instead of living a life of quiet desperation. Life’s too short.
I’ve been a classical singer and actor for almost 40 years, on and off, and for the past few years have trained in mindfulness. I thought of a way to combine those two things to discuss on a blog. It just doesn’t seem like a typical subject to monetize.
I know you don’t consult anymore, but wondered if you had any thoughts. Sometimes doing what you’re passionate about, doesn’t always lead to making money. Yes?