As a blogger, the question I hear most frequently is: “Are you making money from your blog?” It’s a curious thing—when do we ever approach strangers and ask about their income? I’m pretty sure you won’t find other writers casually chatting about their earnings like us moms do. But since you’re curious, let me answer that burning question: Yes, I do make some money from blogging. But let’s be real—it’s not nearly as much as you might think.
For the past three years, I’ve treated this blog like it’s my job. Actually, it’s more than just a job; it’s a hobby, a passion, and yes, another child to care for. I’ve invested more time and effort into this space than any other job I’ve had—probably even more than all my previous jobs combined (which, let’s face it, reveals more about my work ethic than anything else). If I were to be compensated for every hour I’ve spent here, I’d be rolling in it! Unfortunately, that’s not how the blogging world operates.
When I first started, making money wasn’t even on my radar. Blogging was just a fun experiment. But after a few months, inspired by some other blogs, I thought, “Why not throw up some Google ads and see if I can earn a few bucks?” Fast forward several months without any payments, and I quickly yanked those ads down.
After a year of blogging, I joined BlogHer’s ad network. I earned about $60 a month, which didn’t feel worth the space on my blog. So, I removed the ads, and two more years passed without any advertising. Recently, I connected with Federated Media through Clever Girls, thinking I’d finally hit the jackpot. Hallelujah! But, with over half a million page views last month, the reality is that I only get paid for a fraction of the ads that actually run or get clicked on. So, let’s be honest—advertising won’t make you rich unless you’re racking up millions of page views each month.
Ways to Monetize Your Blog
Now, if you’re keen on monetizing your blog, here are some avenues to consider:
- Sponsored Posts: Bloggers can earn anywhere from $10 to thousands for a sponsored post. Am I going to write about a product for a mere ten bucks? Absolutely not. But for $2,000? Count me in! Just be selective about what you promote; your readers will appreciate it.
- Sponsored Campaigns: Think of these as extended sponsored posts. Make sure you genuinely believe in the product or company before diving in. I once agreed to promote a movie starring a big-name actor without seeing it first—let’s just say it was a huge lesson learned!
- Writing Gigs: If you write for other platforms, you should aim for either exposure or payment. Rates can range from $25 to over $500 per post. For example, I recently wrote for CNN, and while I didn’t get paid, the exposure was invaluable—definitely worth it!
- Product Reviews: I’m not suggesting you swap words for candy bars, but I’ve happily reviewed high-end products that I couldn’t otherwise afford. Just remember, you’ll have to pay taxes on anything you receive, so make sure it’s worth it.
- Job Opportunities: Many bloggers have leveraged their sites into full-time jobs. I worked for a well-known children’s network for nearly a year, and it all stemmed from my blog. Your blog can essentially be your resume today.
Remember, these opportunities don’t just fall into your lap overnight. If you’re looking for quick cash from home, blogging may not be your best bet. However, if you’re ready to put in the hard work over the long haul, it might just pay off eventually. Fingers crossed!
For even more insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in learning more about artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom’s guide on at-home insemination kits. Also, don’t miss out on our other blog post about the home insemination kit!
In summary, while blogging can be a rewarding venture, it requires dedication, patience, and strategic efforts to truly monetize. But for those willing to invest the time, the potential is there!