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My Personal Income Streams
As an update to this post I’ve more recently written one on How I make Money Blogging which highlights the most profitable ways that I use blogs to generate income. I’ve also written extensively on how bloggers make money in ProBlogger the Book.
How do bloggers make money from blogs?
I’ve been reflecting this week about the amazing diversity of opportunities that are opening up for bloggers to make money from blogging.
I’ve long advised that bloggers seeking to make money from blogging spread their interests across multiple revenue streams so as not to put all their eggs in one basket.
The wonderful thing is that this is becoming easier and easier to do 2005 has seen many options opening up. I thought I’d take a look at some of the methods that bloggers are currently using to make money through blogs.
Income Streams for Bloggers – How to Make Money Blogging
Advertising Programs – Perhaps the most obvious changes in the past few months have been with the addition of a variety of viable advertising options for bloggers looking to make money from their blogs. The most common way bloggers seem to earn money online is via the contextual ad program from Google – Adsense. A more recent addition that many are using successfully are Chitika.
RSS Advertising – The past 12 months have seen some advances in RSS Advertising also. I’m yet to hear of any bloggers making big money blogging through it to this point – but as improvements are made to the ad programs exploring this I’m sure we’ll start to see examples of it being profitable.
Sponsorship – In addition to the array of advertising programs that are available to join there is a growing awareness in the business of the value and opportunity that exists for them to advertise directly on blogs. I’m hearing more and more examples of this and have been fortunately to have a couple of ad campaigns of my own in the past month – one with Adobe a couple of weeks ago and another just completed with Ricoh for a new digicam over at my Digital Camera Blog. These are not isolated cases – as I say I know of many blogs exploring sponsorship with advertisers at present and suspect we’ll see more of it in the year ahead. Sponsorship is also happening on a post by post basis with some bloggers being paid to write on certain topics by companies – either in one off or a regular fashion – and they are able to make big money from their blogs doing so.
Affiliate Programs – There are larger affiliate programs like Amazon, Linkshare, Clickbank and Commission Junction but also literally thousands of others from the large to the very small.
Digital Assets – Increasing numbers of bloggers have been developing other digital assets to support and add revenue streams to their blogs. By this I mean that I’m increasingly seeing e-books, courses and tele-seminars being run by bloggers. This type of activity will only increase in future – in fact this week I’ve seen numerous examples of bloggers running courses.
Blog Network Opportunities – with the rise in popularity of Blog Networks – bloggers are also being presented with more places to earn an income from their blogging – by writing for and with others. While it might be difficult to get a writing gig with one of the bigger networks – there are plenty who are always asking for new bloggers to join and who are willing to pay bloggers using a variety of payment models. While there are distinct advantages of blogging for yourself – blogging for an established network who will handle a lot of the set up/promotion/admin/SEO etc has it’s advantages also. More and more bloggers are combining writing for themselves on their own blogs with taking on blog network blogs as additional income streams.
Business Blog Writing Opportunities – as blogging has risen in it’s profile as a medium more and more businesses are starting blogs. Many of these companies have internal staff take on blogging duties – but an increasing number of them are hiring specialist bloggers to come on and run their blogs. I know of a number of bloggers who in the past month or two have been approached for such paid work. Check out the ProBlogger Job Board if you’re looking for this type of work.
Non Blogging Writing Opportunities – Also becoming more common are bloggers being hired to write in non blogging mediums. Manolo’s recent coup of a column in the Washington Post is just one example of this as bloggers are increasingly being approached to write for newspapers, magazines and other non blog websites. Along side this is the rise of bloggers as published book authors – this is to the extent that one blogger I spoke with this week complained to me that they were one of the few bloggers than they knew who didn’t have a book deal!
Donations – Tip Jars and donation buttons have been a part of blogging for years now but this last year saw a number of bloggers go full time after fund raising drives. Perhaps the most high profile of these was Jason Kottke of kottke.org who through the generosity of his readership was able to quit his job and become a full time blogger.
Flipping Blogs – Also more common in 2005 was the practice of ‘Blog Flipping’ – or selling of blogs. This has happened both on an individual blog level (I can think of about 20 blogs that sold this year) but also on a network level (the most obvious of these being the 8 figure sale of Weblogs Inc to AOL).
Merchandising – My recent attempt to sell ProBlogger.net T-shirts wasn’t a raging success, but it is an example of how an increasing number of bloggers are attempting to make a few extra dollars from their blogs by selling branded products through programs like Cafepress. While I didn’t have a lot of success with merchandising – quite a few larger blogs are seeing significant sales – especially blogs with a cult following. I’m not at liberty to discuss details – but I know of one largish blog which will see sales over $20,000 in merchandise for the calendar year of 2005.
Consulting and Speaking – While it has been popular for established consultants to add blogs to their businesses we’re also starting to see bloggers with no consulting background able to make money by charging readers for their time in consulting scenarios BECAUSE of the profile that their blogs have built them. Blogging has the ability to establish people as experts on niche topics and we all know the value of being perceived as an expert. I spoke to one blogger last month who charges himself out at over $200 an hour for speaking and consulting work – his area of expertise was something that he knew little about 18 months ago – but through his blog he’s become a leader in his field and a minor celebrity in his industry.
As time rolls on there are more and more ways that bloggers make money from their blogs opening up. Feel free to suggest your own ideas and experiences in comments below.
Update: Looking for more information on how to make money blogging? Here’s a post I wrote talking about my own experience – particularly looking at the top ways that I make money from blogs.
Also check out these resources on how to set up a profitable blog:
- ProBlogger the Book – where I and Chris Garrett sum up all of the basic tips about starting up a blog in the one volume.
Keeping your visitors and having them come back day after day is a big one for me, ironically one rule I need to work on
This is one of those posts you can read and re-read. Its a must read for every blogger who is starting out in general or starting to monetize. It really puts things in perspective. I persoanly believe that the best thing a blogger can do is pick one or two monetization methods and keep things focused. i find that people usually start off a blog with 10 monetization methods that dont make much. The less the better, and the money will come. Thanks for the post
Making money out of blogs is really something. But money should never be the driving force behind blogging. It is the love of writing and knowing that people took appreciation for what you have written. For me this is the cake and the income is the icing on top
Bidvertiser is nice way to make money and increase traffic.This is one suggestion in my oppinion.
I think the best make money online is paid review.
Hey Darren! I know this article is a bit old, but there is still a wealth of valuable information here! Kudos on a great instructional post.
I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks ;)
Very good article!!!
anyway I’ve read intersting about increasing sales and leads through blogs and other means of communication also on http://www.3r.ie/resources/marketing_articles/adsport.htm
Cheers!!!
Riki
yeah, that’s smart, you don’t have to do anything at all actually! just put ads and stuff on your blog and the cash comes floating in! :D
i’m trying myself too, it’s hard to get your site known!
The tough part is getting up the pageRank.
Signing up for PPC ads or and affiliate program, sponsorship etcs, wont make you the money.
Writing good interesting niche articles and SEO is important too!
http://www.youtukan.com
Rather nice Article, keep up the good work. I just wanted to say that because we are on the subject of Making Money with Blogging then I like to think I have cracked the Blog Money Making Code, well with the help of a good friend of mine ‘Rob Benwell’ who has taught me how to make over $34,000 Per Month using his behind the Scenes Blogging Blueprint, it has given me a new lease of life and I absolutely love Blogging now, I mean I liked it before but it was getting a little mindane until I met up with this guy, an absolute genius, now I create all manners of Blogs because I know I can make lots of money from them, it’s a shame I didn’t know about this a few years ago before Blogging got popular, I would probably been a millionaire by now lol, well anyway I appologise for the intrusion and just wanted to tell you about that little interesting fact, thanks and keep up the great work.
http://blogprofitbank.blogspot.com
This is a great post. Everyone is looking for more opportunities to make more money, this is an excellent post.
I think of high traffic is very important, search engine optimisation is needed, marketing and promotion to increase your blog’s presence.
Yep nice. But the toughest is to get the traffic.Once that one is ok, adding more streams is not a problem at all :)
This is a great post and have kept it in my bookmarks. Will continue to read it as i’m very new to alot of the points you mention!
Thanks though, i’m glad some people share good stuff like this!
If you guys really want money then do some work for it and get it, nothing comes free in this world.. i work in a data entry field and make $20 per work i complete.
This is the company’s add bellow.
Home workers needed
We are seeking motivated people with the desire to work in the field of data entry. You will be able to work from home, full time or part time, according to your financial needs. The applicants must be at least 18 years old and have an internet connection. No experience required. The training is provided.
On the other hand, you should meet the following requirements:
– be able of typing, at least 15 words/min
– be able to follow instructions and guidelines
– have the will to learn and reach goals
You will need
-a computer with internet connection (not too slow)
-a valid e-mail address
If you meet these basic requirements and are truly interested, do not hesitate to contact us @ [email protected]
Great post Darren! Although I run a number of websites, I’m relatively new to the world of blogging. You’ve given me a number of good ideas to increase the money I’m making with my blog.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Jo
http://the-absolute-greatest.com/
I am really happy that I found your site here. It has given me a new avenue to explore and use to my advantage and to be able to help others.
Thanks so much.
K
WOW, their is a lot of responses to this blog. After reading it, I realized that most of the information you share is still relevant to making money in 2008. I’m a newbie and I appreciate your knowledge of this subject. Thanks.
The sources totally depend on the blog you maintain. And depending upon how popular your blog is.
Getting traffic is the toughest part.
Nice Post.
I love reading blogs and have pretty much always kept a personal blog. Lately, as I’ve decided to minor in journalism, I have wanted to start a blog for side money. I write stuff as a hobby anyway so it’s fine that I wouldn’t be making much.
But since I wouldn’t make much, I wouldn’t want to pay for a host. But if you use something such as blogspot, can you still advertise through it and stuff to make money? Or is that like against rules or not possible to format?
I just wish my blog was this good, I never seem to get more than 15 readers on my blog.
I think making online money does need someone who is smart. Generally speaking, making money online need to have an expertise of one specific area. My suggestion is do not work harder, work smarter.
I would really love to be able to make money on my blog, there will be much more for me to learn and I thank you for your information on this subject. I will be back to check more with you.
i want to be blogger what should i do to do this…………..????
Very good article, I’m also thinking that you have to get traffic to get money, but a serious work on marketing can change everything. Anyone heard of moneygma.com ? Sounds an interesting concept, but I don’t get everything on the enigma.
Thank you for the tips! I’m trying them out on a website I help manage ( http://GeekyGadgetry.com ) and I’m really excited to find out if they’ll work. Right now I’m in the process of setting up a place for donations like you suggested!
Regards,
Evan Fosmark
Thanks for running such a great resource site!
I’m just amazed that you make such a big percentage of income through adsense – I just haven’t been able to make that work on http://tradingadviceblog.com – I’ve gone the affiliate route but conversion is slow. How do you get so many adsense clickthroughs? Is it the sheer volume of traffic that you get?
Mo
Wow! This is a great site to gain information. The ideas you come up with are very helpful, I just dunno where to start! There are SO many money making opportunities out there, try this site, http://www.homebusinessreviewarea.info it may help those who are still not sure which progrm to give a try. This helped me select one and I am not doing too bad!! It takes work though!! It reviews the top opportunities on the interenet with honest reviews. Check it out!!
Thanks again and I will be a regular reader for sure. Good luck everyone!! JT.
Making money online is said to be easy by those who know how to do it but don’t really share real info, or those who just pretend.
I found a site that promises not only to pay you, but pay you recuringly every month. And all you have to do is show people a video – well, really drive traffic to the video and let the company work on selling the product.
I’m sharing the info on my site.
Yep thanks Darren, you really help us all to get to the right spot!! I added some other method to make some money easily, on my blog, they are guaranteed and efficient, totally worth to give a shot!! especially in the social network rubric,, that’s totally new!!
Look here, moneycracy.blogspot.com
Cheers for your great advices and total respect for your involvement!!
Thanks for making Problogger the perfect place where to get the bet tips available on the net about how to optimize our blogs!
Viva Problogger!
Will you dare
I’m using google and ebgame referals at the monment. Going to see how they work out in my niche. My niche has alot to do with product not info so they should work pretty well.
What a great read!
Blogging is definitely a great way at making money in a variety of methods that you mentioned. What’s nice about a blog is that it’s free to have one and you can start making money very quickly with little or no experience building websites. Anyone can join and start making a income right away.
You offered some great ways at using your blog to make money. Many of your readers are sure to be successful reading these well written blog posts on making money blogging.
Great blog!
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
htto://www.CreatingIncomeForLife.ws
yes you’re right. never put your eggs in one basket !. and i think your post has the biggest comments in the world ..ha..ha..ha…
A fantastic list. I think the best i’ve seen online – and very comprehensive as well. My two cents if I can add, Darren.
Product and Service Review: A lot of companies today are giving away free products and even dollars to review their products and services and post results for their readers.
Sponsored Posts: Take on money to voice opinions of advertisers. Best done with direct relationships to your advertisers, so look around locally for businesses that could benefit from this.
i learned a lot from this post on how to make money online. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge to us!
Thanks for your unselfish sharing. Great resouces. I’m sure “targeted traffic” and huge traffic is important for us to generate income from blogging.
In order to increase the blog traffic and readership, the contents that reader interested is important.
To your success
Bryan Hee
I wondering to know about bloging activity on your country.
Is bloging much worthy for your life? I mean you can cover your life cost from bloging?
Great post! Obviously a lot of this information is common sense, but you have explained it in a very user friendly manner! Very nicely done.
Very useful information. I am still new in this blogging industry. First I was surprised when I see how blooging has becomed so popular on BBC. Since then, I am wondering about it and finally I have stepped inside. I want see and experience myself. Thanks for your valuable tips and links
how come my adsense ad was not posted on my blog?
they emailed me and they said that my blogs doesn’t fit their qualification.
what other advertisers that will pay your blog.
I really agree about selling your own content on your blog. You can probably make more money doing this in the long run than in general ads.
I sell books and articles on my blogs, and it works. I link to my books at Amazon and Ebay (Amazon pays you for that,) and I’m beginning to sell ebooks/pdf’s of the full content or reference material inherent in a blog. This is fairly easily done via PayPal or such services.
I’ve been slacking in this area lately. I make most of my revenue from paid posts. However, I’ve been experimenting with google adsense lately (making only a couple cents per day). Time to get back to making money again!
Great Post!!! Making money is easy. I earn more than 30 US$ without doing anything from my useless blogs.
However, I will take tips from this site and improve.
Yeah for us we use almost exclusively “Digital Assets” as our form of making money along with email marketing. We have some of our own products and following with autoresponders with affiliate promotions.
We focus mainly on Clickbank and Paydotcom.
We also use some CJ.com and Amazon.
Thanks for a great post. And keeping us informed with what your seeing and doing.
Kenney
I have been looking in to making money with blogs, I know how to make money from affiliate programs. But these are some great ways to make money from blogs.
Donations sound more like if you have a site that is fund raising
And I think not to many people can make a full time income doing this. I visited Jason Kottke site kottke.org and is this his site that made him a full time income with Donations?
I actually decided to try sponsorship out. I emailed a bunch of websites about paying for a banner on my site, and I actually got some interest! I was really surprised! I think people should try this. Of course, it takes patience, and you have to have the stomach for it – but it worked for me!
I make money off many blogs by using them to just keep tuned in with my clients. You can use blogs in many ways that result in money. One is just to keep your visitors and clients tuned in by blogging to them each week. It really helps with conversions. My starting a cleaning business blog makes me a nice income, but it is because I am selling services NOT ppc ads. If you have an original product that people want, you will make so much more money than ppc ads!
Over the time after trying diferent methods of making money I realized that an affiliateprogram is better than anything.
I found some time ago an affiliate program that is on my liking, they offer you a great support, they offer multiple online stores, and all that for free.
Besides that they pay out 10-12$ for every client I bring in, and belive me it isn’t hard to do that.
In you want more info click the title. Thanks, hopes this helps you.
Excellent blog on making money. I will definitely be looking at your book in the future!
God Bless!
ELMO