If you’re a blogger, chances are you’ve been asked the question, “Are you making money from your blog?” It’s a peculiar inquiry—how often do we approach strangers to discuss finances? Yet, this curiosity persists, especially among fellow mothers. So, to address the question: Yes, I do earn some income from blogging, but it’s not nearly as much as one might hope.
For the past three years, I’ve treated my blog as more than just a side project—it’s become a job, a passion, and even a fourth child. The effort I’ve invested in this platform surpasses any previous job I’ve held. If I were compensated for every hour I’ve dedicated to this blog, I’d be financially comfortable. Unfortunately, blogging doesn’t operate on that principle.
When I first started, the idea of monetizing my blog was far from my mind. It was simply a hobby, a chance to express myself. However, inspired by other blogs, I decided to try my hand at Google ads. After several months of no earnings, I quickly removed them.
A year into blogging, I joined BlogHer’s ad network, earning around $60 a month. But for the space it consumed, I felt it wasn’t worth it, so I took those ads down as well. After a two-year hiatus from ads, I connected with Federated Media through Clever Girls, believing I’d finally found a lucrative opportunity. However, even with half a million page views last month, the income from ads is minimal, as they only appear on a fraction of my pages, and I’m only compensated when they’re clicked on.
So, let me be clear: advertising alone won’t make you rich. Unless your blog garners millions of views per month, it’s unlikely to generate significant income. Once you factor in costs for coding, hosting, and site maintenance, breaking even can be a challenge. Here are some ways to earn:
- Sponsored Posts: Payments can range from $10 to $10,000. While I wouldn’t write about a product for a mere ten bucks, $2,000 might change my mind. Choose wisely, though; your readers will appreciate genuine content over constant promotions.
- Sponsored Campaigns: These are similar to sponsored posts but last for a defined timeframe. Ensure that you genuinely support the product or company. I once promoted a movie starring a big-name actor without watching it first, only to discover it was terrible—a huge lesson learned.
- Freelance Writing: Writing for other platforms can offer either exposure or compensation. Posts can pay between $25 and $500+, but some opportunities, like a recent piece for a major news outlet, provide invaluable exposure that’s worth more than a paycheck.
- Product Reviews: While I’m not advocating for trading your writing for small gift cards, I’ve enjoyed reviewing higher-end products that I otherwise couldn’t afford. Just remember, you’ll need to report any value received as income when tax season rolls around.
- Job Opportunities: Many bloggers have parlayed their blogging experience into full-time employment. I worked for a year with a well-known children’s network, landing the position purely because of my blog. In today’s world, your blog can serve as your resume.
Keep in mind that none of these opportunities materialize overnight. If you’re seeking quick cash, blogging may not be the route for you. However, if you’re prepared to pour your heart and soul into it for years, the potential rewards can be substantial.
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In summary, while blogging can be a rewarding endeavor, it often requires hard work and patience. With the right strategies, it may just lead to the financial success you’re looking for.
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