New to SITS? Welcome!! Go read this to get started.
If you find yourself wondering how to grow your blog into something more, don’t think twice about it.
From changing your blogspot address to an official URL to understanding SEO and search engines, the learning is endless. It’s natural for some bloggers to be interested in taking things to the “next level” with their site.
One topic that intrigued (and baffled) Fran and me during our early days of blogging was the idea that there was money to be made in our little corner of the blogosphere. When we saw ads on blogs, we couldn’t help but wonder how they were acquired, how much bloggers were earning, and whether ads were something that we even wanted.
Although making money is not the reason that many of us begin blogging, it is something most of us wonder about at one point or another. For some stay at home moms, the cash brought in from blogs can even help put food on the table.
Yesterday, we spent an hour with Darren Rowse of ProBlogger as he addressed an array of questions. One of the topics that came up most was focused on how to make money on your blog. In light of that discussion, we thought it would be useful to summarize some of the conversation, as well as to expand on the topic.
Keep in mind that selling ad space on a blog is not for everyone. However, for those of you who are interested in monetizing your site, there are a few things we can learn from yesterday’s chat:
Kathryn from Coastal Chick asked whether she should host ads on her site since she does not have at least 1,000 unique visitors daily.
Blogs of all sizes can advertise. The lower your stats are, the less money you will probably make. That being said, starting out small is fine. It’s a great way to learn how to interact with advertisers, while still being able to earn some pocket change.
What’s the best way to secure ads for your site?
There are a number of ways to find businesses that you can advertise for. Here are just a few ideas:
- Use the phone book, targeting smaller businesses when your first start out.
- Contact advertisers that competitors in your niche are working with.
- Google key words that define your blog (or niche) and see which businesses are associated with these terms.
- Create your own ad network.
Cindy from Prime Beauty wants to monetize her blog, but isn’t sure which method to try. She would prefer to sell advertising space since she hasn’t had much success with affiliate ads.
Forming your own network in order to sell ads is a great idea. Keep in mind that doing so requires more time and effort than affiliate marketing because you must maintain relationships with those in your network and be open to feedback.
Affiliate marketing is another way to make money on your blog. It basically is a method for businesses to reward bloggers by paying them a commission for selling their product.
The best way to benefit from affiliate sales is to incorporate the products you are selling into your blog’s content. If you host affiliate ads, consider reviewing the product in a blog post and providing an affiliate link so that your readers can make a purchase.
How do you decide how much to charge for ads?
The easiest way to figure out how much to charge for ads on your site is simply to ask. Talk to businesses about how much they’re willing to spend or get feedback from other bloggers who have a similar niche and traffic. Don’t be afraid to speak up either…many people are willing to share this information with you.
Jessica from Exposing the Drapes to My Twenties asked when a blogger should start selling ads on their blog.
The answer? Monetize your blog from Day 1. Readers can feel betrayed when you start running ads out of the blue. If ads have been on your site from the beginning, then there will be no surprises or feelings of mistrust. The trick is to keep your advertising subtle and balanced. Avoid turning readers off by having ads all over your blog.
How long does it take for an experienced, full time blogger to start turning a profit?
Although blogging has developed dramatically over the last few years, the ability for people to make money is not guaranteed. For an experienced blogger, it could take a year or two before he or she will start seeing a profit. On the other hand, some spend two years (or more) blogging and still do not make much money. There’s really no right answer.
If monetizing your blog is something you’re interested in and you’d like to learn more, then check out the links below. We’ve compiled a list of resources that we hope will be helpful to you…
What I’ve Learned About Selling Private Ads
How To Find Advertisers For Your Website: The Ultimate Guide
How Much Should You Charge For Advertising?
15 Affiliate Questions Answered By 3 Experts
When Should You Monetize Your Website
How To Sell Ads On Your Blog
A Screamingly Effective Blog Disclosure Policy: How (and Why) To Get One
Create Your Own “Advertise” Page
How Do I Include Advertisements In My RSS Feed
Do You Have Too Many Ads On Your Site
Idea!! When we all start making millions of dollars from implementing the tips we learned yesterday, everyone will be at the Bloggy Boot Camp in Tahiti we’ve been dreaming about, right??
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If you’d like to watch part of yesterday’s live chat with Darren, you can find the recording here. (Sadly, the entire hour is not available due to technical difficulties during the discussion.)
On Day 12 of the 31DBBB Challenge in BlogFrog, we are learning about how to maintain an editorial calendar and plan your posts an entire week in advance. Stop by if you get a chance!
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Tickets for Austin and St. George, Utah, our final Bloggy Boot Camp stops for the year, are on sale now! Don’t wait to buy yours. We’d love to meet you in person!
And, as always, when you see this:
About Kat
Happy Friday! I’m first today? Yay!
http://looksgreatnaked.com/2010/07/id-rather-be-a-dumb-blonde-than-a-slow-brunette/
Whoo-hoo! Good morning, all!!
Twitter: thewahwife
says:
Good tips and a great list of resources. Happy Friday!
Happy Friday everyone! I’m headed to Ottawa to visit my grandparents this weekend, then home to Charleston on Monday… wow July has flown by!
I have always wondered about advertising on blogs. Thanks for the interesting information. Have a great Friday everyone……and enjoy the weekend!! (I know I will!!!)
Twitter: xtremeparnthood
says:
Sign me up for the Bloggy Boot Camp in Tahiti!
I wish!
I know right?!? How amazing would that be!?!
I just started to offer ads & I dont have 1,000 individual hits a day, I figured I would start now though. I started blogging as an ‘outlet’ while my hubby was deployed but just realized it took up a lot of my free time (willingly- I love it!) and I just figured if I could make some pocket change while I’m at it-why not?
Great tips!
1,000 individual hits a day is pretty amazing traffic for most of us. Very few of us would be advertising if that were a requirement!!
oh I know! lol I was referring to the blog they mentioned in the post and about how she said she didn’t know if she should because she didn’t have that many hits a day!
I have pretty close to that but not there yet! Would l-o-v-e to get there soon though! Slow growth is still growth! 
Morning ladies. TGIF!!! Got a wedding to go to tonight and I’m still looking for the right pair of shoes. Wish me luck?
Good morning! TGIF at last.
You definitely can make money from your sites. As you mentioned it will take some longer than others. With one of my older sites I placed a few Google Adsense adds on my site, I also had sponsors. I did some affiliate marketing.
I didn’t go overboard with it. Additionally, I asked for feedback from my community before doing anything. They were extremely supportive. That site was averaging a over 2k monthly. I was able to reach that in about six months but by the time I started monetizing I had that blog for over two years before I monetized it, had established a great community too.
Eventually, I might do some monetization with my newest site, if I do I’ll follow a similar principle as I did with my first monetized site.
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Thanks for sharing your experiences with our community this morning. Such great insight from someone who has actually been successful with advertising. You and your blog are a wonderful example to us all!
good morning, Happy Friday!!
http://ourfamilytheperezs.blogspot.com/
good morning, Happy Friday!
http://ourfamilytheperezs.blogspot.com/
Happy Saturday everyone!
WO*IMA is back after holiday break.
Your WOrds my IMAge >>> WO*IMA
Give me your WOrds and get your link on Sunday’s edited version.
Twitter: geezees
says:
Love reading tips about how to make more money online…great post girls!!
it’s friday…it’s friday!!! i don’t think i could be happier to see this week come to a close. now i just need NEXT WEEK to be nice and looooooong. i have to go back to work next friday
Morning and happy Friday! Looking forward to checking out today’s post. I’m a WAHM so I know making money online is definitely possible!
Friday! It’s been a busy week tasting coffee, but I finally finished the series on coffee in Honduras. Now this weekend? moving to another place in town!
Sorry I forgot – thanks for your monetize tips today!
Wow! I’d love to know who DOES have at least 1000 unique visitors a day – apart from google, maybe!
Ha! That’s what I was saying!
Twitter: whenpigsflyblog
says:
Can’t wait to watch the chat with Darren. Wasn’t able to see it yesterday.
Happy Friday!!!
http://mylifeinjenga.blogspot.com
Those are some amazing resources. I think it is really important to create a niche for yourself. It is easier to get affiliates and advertising that way. Also having a niche has helped me stay more focused in what I offer my readers and what I write about.
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
I seriously couldn’t agree more! Niche blogging makes the world a very good place.
Today’s summary is interesting. I don’t advertise and always wondered about it. Thanks for sharing.
I am off today to help my hubby move his office. What was I thinking!!
This is great information – thank you so much for the summary!
Good Morning. I feel refreshed. Please check out my newest post.
That was very considerate to summarize the main points of the chat!
Thank you! I have many questions about advertising on my blog, so this is extremely helpful!!
Twitter: imaftmummy
says:
Great tips! Thanks for posting this!
Nice summary and very useful. Happy Friday everyone.
SaucyB’s latest post:
You Want to Put What? Where?
http://bit.ly/ce4HXK
Interested to find out how they make money online. Happy Friday folks. Have a great weekend
TGIF…although it’s summer so it’s not that exciting right now…at least it’s weekend and fun stuff awaits! Enjoy!
Haircut blogged!! Spouse’s utterly RUDE response included!
Great Advice! The MOST important thing is to keep working it. So many people give up when they don’t make a ton right away.
I hope everynone has a wonderful weekend!
I’ve tried monetizing through ads, but have only earned pennies. I have, however, been successful earning product from companies by advertising in the form of a giveaway or review! …just because it isn’t cash doesn’t mean it’s not a profit.
Absolutely agree! Especially if it’s a product you would have spent your own money on anyways.
This is going to be interesting to read! I’d love to make money from my blog!
Come on over and check out my giveaway!
Tahiti??? Hmmm, I better start figuring out how to make that money! LOL
It is so good that you post on these topics to give people the info they need on such things…
I’m not really looking to make money on my blog, in that way. I like the idea of sticking with sponsors + sticking to the ones that are in line with what your philosophies are…what you right about.
But I have left a couple of posts for today…including {this moment}, so come + visit + if you would like to ‘play along’, leave a post with a link to a moment from the week you captures and want to savor. It is a great way to meet other people + wrap up the week!
Happy friday everyone!
alison
Good information. Maybe someday I will get to learn it in person. Missed this site this week due to a CRAZY time at the office, but wanted to drop in to say HI!
Tahiti yeah!!!
I don’t monetize my blog, being I just write as a hobby.
I really can appreciate those who do. The ads remind me of something that started here many years ago for stay-at-home moms. They could put advertising banners in their back window and earn money driving around. Win for everyone.
Happy Friday!
Nice summary – of course, if you haven’t got time to run your own network, and don’t like google adsense, there are other alternatives.
I use Project Wonderful and Technorati Media. PW is my favourite, though often for me the least lucrative, as I like their model and the fact that it lets small craft businesses etc. advertise very cheaply (sometimes even free).
Other ways to monetise your blog include ‘pay per post’ networks, or using your blog to promote your own products. I sell my own crochet patterns on mine, and am working on an Japanese quilting ebook.
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
All wonderful ideas, Abigail! Thanks so much for posting your feedback. Loved reading through your comment. I haven’t checked out Project Wonderful or Technorati Media yet. Will have to do so.
The learning never stops.
Okay–I’m looking forward to reading today’s info.
Guess I better get going with these tips if I’m going to make it to Tahiti
Looking forward to reading through some of the other resources listed. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Hi everyone! Have a great weekend!
Donna
It is supposed to be more humid today in Kansas City than in Miami. Fun day!
Great post full of tips. Thanks ladies!
Thanks for using my question in your post today! I really enjoyed the conversation with Darren. He has so much knowledge, and I feel honored that he shared it will all of us!
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
You’re welcome, Jessica! Thanks a ton for participating. Had a chance to check out your blog this morning. Really loved your BBQ with grilled peaches recipe. May just need to make that for my family tonight!
Thanks for thinking up such great questions!!
Wasn’t he great with his answers?? Loved the chat.
Great tips! I’d love to monetize, but I’m on wordpress.com.
Maybe someday…
Great tips ladies!