Pasteurize Homogenize And Monetize

Got Milk?

Cool.

Got Money?

Uh … maybe not yet.

What’s the blinking secret to monetizing your blog?  Will someone be kind enough to shout it out to me, please?!

I swear (on my dog’s nose freckles) I’ve read volumes on the subject and I still can’t fill in the big BLANK.

Is your blog generating an income?

Here’s even a better question:

When is the last time someone read one of your blog posts and a payment instantly appeared in your PayPal account?

That’s what I figured.

But if this IS happening for you, we need to talk.  You’ve found the buried treasure and you need to share the riches.  Mum says it’s not nice to be stingy.

I’ve come to the conclusion there is no ONE way to effectively monetize your blog.  Different strategies work for different people (Don’t you hate it when you hear that?).

Looking for a reality check on blogging for money?

Then sprint over to Problogger.net and read “Make Money Blogging” — Darren Rowse is an ace blogger, a really cool guy, and a trusted authority on blogging.

*  Do you think it’s possible to earn an income blogging?
*  What tools or techniques are you using to monetize your blog?
*  Would you say there are any perils or pitfalls to blog monetization?

photo credit: dreamstime

 


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  • Just wanted to come on and update you about my blog stats. This week I’m delighted to have had 5 more sales and the first of my affiliate commissions was confirmed. WooHoo!!
    Heather x

    • That’s absolutely wonderful news, Heather, and congratulations!

      Thanks for coming back to give us an update and I’m sure this news is going to provide tons of inspiration for everyone!

      Hugs, 🙂
      Melanie

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  • Hi Melanie,

    Great post. I have a few blogs that weren’t making me the income I would like. I didn’t follow any plan for them, just put them up and started blogging.

    So, early in March I decided to listen to someone who was successful at this stuff. I signed up for Connie’s 21 day challenge and followed the steps. 14 days later I put up my latest blog – ‘MumsGotABusiness.com (that went ‘live’ on 21st March) I was prepared to put in lots of hard work and didn’t expect to see any sales for at least 2 months, but this is what I found.

    Week one – no sales
    Week two – 2 sales
    Week three – 6 sales
    Week four – no sales yet (but it’s only Wednesday 😉

    This was all from click through’s to my own products. I’m now setting up affiliate links and I’ve got one ad that is getting lots of clicks – I’m going to be adding more and more as I grow.

    It’s very early days, but I’m feeling so much more positive about my blog. It’s getting much more interest and attention than any of my others. I’ll keep you posted as to how I’m getting on.

    Love
    Heather x

    • Heather,

      You’re the saving grace in this entire thread of comments and I know my readers are going to be thrilled to hear your story!

      Hello, loyal readers! Please head over to Heather’s blog and take just a moment of your time to read this: http://mumsgotabusiness.com/our-business-grows-quicker-when-we-get-some-support-part-two/

      If you truly want to know what it takes to make your blog work for you, Heather is spilling the beans over at “Mum’s Got A Business”.

      Hint: I think Heather’s blog success may be attributed to “productivity” and having a “plan”. But I’m just guessing, of course. 🙂

      Thank you, Heather, for a big burst of motivation and inspiration!

      Melanie
      xoxo

  • Hi Mel
    What’s the old saying…
    “Money may not be the root of all evil, but it’s certainly a good fertiliser”

    Or as my old boss used to say…

    “Keith, there are only two things you need to know about life:
    Where there’s money there’s corruption and where there’s men and women… there’s hanky panky”

    I’ve never made any money from blogging and I’m still trying to find out what he meant by hanky panky. LOL

    • No question about it, Keith …

      Money is a darn good fertilizer! I’ve seen it grow all kinds of things. And I’ve also seen it destroy all kinds of things, too.

      I’ll pass on trying to fill you in on the “hanky panky” of life. But if you ever partake, your wife is going to yell out the meaning to you loud and clear! 🙂

  • Hi Melanie, I am headed over to check Darren’s post. I don’t plan of making money directly from blogging but hey, if there’s an opportunity to do so that would be great too. I am still brainstorming how we can be swimming in money by blog commenting LOL

    • I’ve got my swimsuit ready, Diana!

      Happy you’re going to check out Darren’s post. He’s credible, super knowledgeable, and one the most recognized names in blogging. Enjoy!!

      There’s GOT to be a way to make money by commenting on blogs. Let’s keep the faith — we’ll figure it out. 🙂

  • Hi Melanie

    Good question! I have always seen my blog as a platform for my business. Earning decent money from blogging seems to be elusive to many even those who blog about it.

    Even though some bloggers say they are earning from their blog, often when you dig deeper, it is more having a blog and then going off and building sites to monetise with affiliate products, or doing consulting which brings in the earnings.

    My products have sold better offline locally, however I am starting to get sales online now. But I also plan to diversify so I don’t rely on one source of income. And I will be putting an ebook on my site to sell, once I have it finished.

    Patricia Perth Australia

    • You’re writing an e-book, Patricia?! That’s totally awesome news. 🙂

      Glad to hear you’re getting a little boost in sales online but that you’re also planning on ‘diversifying’ … smart idea.

      I’m going to agree with you 100% — most folks who claim they’re making lots of dough blogging are actually marketing to their prospects away from their blog through some other means — email campaigns, teleseminars, coaching programs, etc.

      Please keep us posted on when your e-book is ready!

      • I forgot to say that I love the new look and yay that you now have threaded comments 🙂 A techie friend of mine changed the look on my blog and another told me about threaded comments too.

        So yay to the geeks out there too 😉

        My ebook is coming along slowly. Should work more on it but have been busy with other things. I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Have a few generous friends who know much more about most things to do with blogging, marketing, graphics etc LOL They will get to proof-read and sort before I put it out there.

        Cos it will be to do with my small niche, need to be in the forums and letting people know about it before I put it up on my site. So much to do, so little time eh??!!

        Patricia Perth Australia

        • You can say THAT again, Patricia! I wish I could make a plea to the “powers that be” to transform a day into at least 30 hours. Twenty-four is just not cutting the mustard. LOL

          I’m excited about your e-book and I know it’s a lot more work to create an info product than people lead you to believe sometimes. And then there’s all the editing, re-writing, proofreading, marketing, and promotions. Whew!! I’m exhausted just thinking about it. But I’m certain your book is going to be a lovely creation and worth any amount of elbow grease you’re putting into it!

          So happy you like what Michelle has done with my site. The woman is pure genius!!

          And me? I’m the furthest thing from “techie” you’ll ever meet. 🙂

  • Okay, I just learned a TON from reading all the comments that come before mine. What I would have said HAS been said, so I’ll just add, Melanie, thank you for bringing this up. Sometimes making money with your blog seems like a pipe dream or a bogeyman. As has been stated, it takes hard work, tenacity and a willingness to try things. I’m not an expert here, I defer to people like Sheila, Martha and Danielle. Fantastic conversation! Keep it up! More, more!

    • You’re a treasure, Lisbeth!

      Making money blogging seems like the “bogeyman”, for sure. Or on a lighter note … the elusive butterfly. 🙂

      I certainly don’t have all the answers. And that’s one reason I set out to get this conversation going.

      One thing I DO know …

      There’s no magic spell or potion you can pour over your blog to make it work for you. You’ve got to do the work of figuring out what works.

      Thanks for swinging by today!

  • Nice to see you here, Aaron!

    Can’t wait to read your post on “Feng Shui” — I’ve always been fascinated by it. I’m also fascinated by the paranormal but that’s another story. 🙂

    Everything you’ve mentioned is singing a tune in perfect pitch!

    Your blog is more of a relationship-building tool than anything else. Let’s just call that Step #1. And once you’ve had the opportunity to showcase your expertise and give your readers a chance to know you, you’re ready for Step #2 — lead generation.

    Sadly, some folks never make it to the second step. Have you visited blogs with no freebie offers of any kind? No opt in boxes? That’s where some bloggers are missing the boat. If you’re blogging for business, marketing to your potential customers/clients takes place AWAY from your blog.

    Really appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you again! 🙂

  • It’s definitely not a myth, just takes a lot of hard work to get to a point where you can start to make anything worth while. Most aren’t willing to put in the work or are going about it all wrong. Having a ton of visitors doesn’t necessarily = tons of money either.

    You should have a diverse way of making money through blogging set up and most of it is an indirect result of blogging itself. Selling your own product or other people’s is a good way to get started.

    People need to think of you as an authority before you can really do any of that. So becoming established and working on great content as well as build partnerships is the first thing any blogger should do before they even think they can make a dime.

  • Wow! Great post Melanie! Obviously, monetizing your blog is a hot topic! I never dreamed of making money from my blog. For me, my blog helps establish my credibility and gives me visibility. My new marketing equation for 2011: Visibility + Credibility = Profitability. There are many great tips from others who have commented! Thanks for sharing Melanie!

    • Right on, Kristen!

      Establishing credibility and boosting visibility — “The Big Kahuna” of blogging!

      Love your marketing equation for 2011. It’s sure to ‘add up’ to success! 🙂

      Thanks for the visit today.

  • Melanie, thanks for such a great resource! My blog is still very new, so I don’t know where it will take me, but for now, I’m with Roy and Leona on this one re: no advertising. So far, it seems that having a blog can indirectly create income by having a homebase where I can connect with others and showcase my writing as a freelance writer.

    P.S. Thanks for starting the TLC Club. It’s really helped me expand my horizons even more! =)

    • You’re on to something, Samantha!

      With everything you do online, work toward pointing people back to your blog — the “hub” of your business. Your blog is definitely your home base for building your brand and strutting your stuff! I’m proud of you. You’re brand new to blogging and you’re already “getting” it. 🙂

      So happy to hear you’re enjoying the T.L.C. Club for Bloggers. I had fun organizing and planning the group and I was very pleased to open the doors and get it rolling.

      You’re doing a great job of “blog hopping”. I’m seeing your comments on a lot of blogs. Keep it up!

  • Hi Sheila,

    Yes! I came across “The Pioneer Woman” about a year ago. Love the design of her blog — unique branding and very inviting.

    I have a lot of admiration and respect for Darren Rowse, too. He tells it like it is and doesn’t try to “sugarcoat” the facts.

    You’ve brought up a very vital point. The people you associate with and align yourself with online make a huge difference in your success!

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And how’s your blog challenge coming along?

  • Melanie,

    Darren Rowse is a great example. I love his monthly reports that show where his sources of income come from. He is very diversified and does not depend just on his blog for income.

    Also his story is one of hard work and patience. I have also noticed the people he has attached himself to make a big difference.

    Have you ever been to “The Pioneer Woman” She is a great example of someone that has made it in blogging. Her blog has grown over the years.

  • Melanie, Can we stand one more comment about the banner ads? If people want to make money with the banners, they have to be willing to test different ones out and see which ones resonate with their audience. I’ve had several in the past that didn’t get a single click. That could have lead to my thinking that they didn’t work at all. I didn’t stop. I kept on until I was promoting things my readers wanted. Also, I change out my banners on a regular basis. If they don’t make money, they’re history!

    • BINGO!

      That’s exactly the right way to do it, Martha, and I follow that same strategy. If something isn’t working (in this case, banner ads), it’s history.

      Let’s face it …

      A BIG important component of advertising is TESTING.

      Thanks for coming back to share a little more.

  • Melanie,

    I always was trying to figure this out too. I decided that people aren’t honest enough to admit they aren’t doing well and just say they are to get others to purchase. I guess that is one way to do it, IF that is what is happening.

    I don’t like all the ads and boxes and such, it looks tacky, takes too long to load site, etc. I advertise things that I believe will benefit those that are in what I do, of course I haven’t made any money, but I’m not to concerned. I am pushing a group that I am part of because I believe in its success and have found it to be extremely helpful for myself. Yes I’ve been pushing that.

    Other than that I do not feel this passive income is well worth it when I can help business owners.

    • There’s no question about it, Leona …

      Authenticity and honesty trump everything else in this business. And people who try to “fudge” their way through by touting huge incomes, etc., when that’s the furthest thing from the truth, WILL get caught up in that lie in the end. It’s inevitable.

      “I advertise things that I believe will benefit those that are in what I do” — that’s the ticket!

      Thanks for your comment — appreciate the visit. 🙂

  • I make money from my blogs in various ways. Some are obvious, some are not. I like banners too and have had consistent success with a couple of them. I consider that passive money. I don’t really have to do anything and it shows up! Everything else, I’m taking action to make it happen. I think people get confused with making money with their blog and making money online. That’s two different things. I’ve made a lot of money online that had nothing to do with my blog. In order to make money, you have to sell something. That’s the bottom line. If people are putting people in their funnel from their blog and selling through emails and such, then they can technically say they make money from their blog. Make sense?

    • Well said, Martha!

      Your blog, for the most part, should be used as a lead-generating platform. The REAL money to be made is away from your blog through email marketing.

      I’m so pleased you mentioned earning passive income with your banner ads. I swear every other marketer I come in contact with tells me they don’t work and they’re a waste of time. Phooey on that kind of thinking! They work for me and there’s no work involved.

      Thanks for chiming in — always a joy to see you here!

  • Hi Melanie,
    It’s really frustrating when all these people are saying that they are making money with blogs and then the dots aren’t connecting, isn’t it?

    Well, I’ll tell you that I have had minor success with blogging for money. I have one blog that I have had minor success with. It makes about $100 a month (give or take $25) on a consistent basis. I don’t do anything with it anymore. It’s just out there (and no, I’m not sharing the url because I don’t really want my name associated with it).

    What did I do that I attribute that minimal success to?
    – loads of backlinking – I mean loads as in hundreds of backlinks coming in.
    – and the backlinks have to have proper anchor text
    – decent content
    – a focus on keywords that are getting less than 1000 but more than 500 clicks a day
    – good sponsors/affiliate programs
    – good SEO within the blog
    – time – I think a blog just needs to age a bit before the search engines take it really seriously

    Am I trying to replicate that? You bet. Have I managed to? Not quite. Not sure what I’m missing. I think it is the backlinks – I haven’t had a blog that I’ve built up quite to the capacity that I did with that blog yet.

    I keep trying though. 🙂

    • Hi Danielle!

      Thanks a heap for sharing all the specific details of how you monetized one of your blogs. The information is invaluable. And it sounds like it took a great deal of laser-focused effort on your part to make money with your blog.

      And I’d have to agree with you it’s extremely frustrating when you can’t connect the “how to make money blogging” dots. Your comment, though, should give my readers some darn good clues. 🙂

      Thank you for joining in on the conversation — I appreciate you!

  • I think that most of the folks who (claim to)make money blogging make money from advertising revenue on their site or from selling something to you that you agreed to buy because of what you read on their site.
    I decided long ago that I had NO desire for advertising on my site (we won’t go into my [il]logic here), so that obviated that capability.
    I have not decided if I will mention my books on my blog (so far, no). There goes another source.
    What I do hope is that folks retain our services, based upon the knowledge and experience exhibited (or not) on my blog. So far, that has happened twice (of which I am aware). And, given that revenue and the time I spend researching and writing my blog (see next note below), I believe I am qualified to move to some fourth-world country and be employed therein.
    (NOTE: I would research as much, as long hours, and as extensively without my blog. So, I am not sure including those 40 hours a week as a cost is justified. But, I did not want the casual reader to consider that the revenue garnered from the blog amounted to $100s of dollars an hour for the writing and commenting.)

    • Roy, I have one thing to say to you …

      Get your books on your blog!!

      Do you have the foggiest notion — the remotest idea — how much credibility, and trust is associated with being a published author?

      Never mind. Don’t answer that. I know you’re already more than aware.

      Those books of yours will give your blog a lot of MUSCLE.

      Just sayin’ …
      Melanie

  • Hi Melanie –

    Well… I do make money blogging through sales of my mentoring e-book. Though I didn’t exactly set out to write that book. That was a happy accident I decided to capitalize on.

    Some time ago I wrote a post about how to ask someone to be your mentor. This was a direct result of someone asking ME to be their mentor… and handling it very poorly. So much so that I felt compelled to write that post. Then in turned into follow up posts. The next thing I knew, I’m getting tons of traffic for every keyword variation you can imagine on “How to ask someone to be your mentor”. How could I ignore the opportunity? As you know, I’ve since added a free e-course on the same topic and that has increased sales.

    Who knew I would even go down this path? Paying attention to my stats has paid off.

    Another wonderful thing is that some of my readers have become my coaching clients. My blog is monetized indirectly by being a platform for my coaching practice.

    Am I retiring on all this dough? No. It is still primarily a labor of love — with some fringe benefits. 🙂

    ~Theresa

    • btw Melanie — I love your new look! It wasn’t a significant mind altering jarring change, and as such it is wonderful. It’s still you!

      AND does this ‘reply’ button also mean you now have threaded comments?

      Hooray!

      • Glad you like the new ‘look’ around here, Theresa. Me, too!

        It’s all thanks to my brilliant and talented friend, Michelle Shaeffer. Have you met Michelle yet? If not, please pop over to her blog and introduce yourself: http://michelleshaeffer.com

        And, YES! I love my new threaded comments. Doesn’t take much to make me happy. 🙂

        • Aw, thanks Melanie! 🙂 But you know it’s your fab content that keeps us all visiting and the design is just the window dressing. 😉

          • You’re welcome, Michelle — everyone is loving the new look around here and you deserve some accolades!

            Can’t thank you nearly enough for working your magic. 🙂

      • Hi T
        I second your comments on Mel’s new look blog, and those threaded comments are to die for.

        Ms Shaeffer is a talented lady.

    • Hi Theresa,

      I love it when “happy accidents” have happy endings. 🙂

      Congratulations on the traffic boost, increased sales, and coaching clients! You are a prime example of an entrepreneur who recognized an opportunity to create a product based on the needs of your target audience and utilized blogging as a marketing platform. You shine!

      You’re a fabulous role model and thank you so much for sharing your success story. I’m sure it’s going to open some eyes to the possibilities blogging can provide you. 🙂

  • I really don’t get it. People claim to be making loads of money blogging. How are they doing it? Ads, their blogs been published (in print) or what. They claim to have given their day time jobs for making money blogging. Really need to check that article.

    • Good for you, Hajra!

      And when you land on Darren’s post, you’re going to find lots of helpful addendum posts, as well. It’s the very BEST information I’ve found on what it really takes to make money blogging.

      I’ve had the most success with the banner ads I have on my blog although TONS of people will tell you they don’t work.

      Thanks for your comment and let me know if you zero in on a way to make money with your blog!