Take it or leave it, 90% of those in the blogosphere had money on their mind before going in to blogging. I’ve heard lots of people saying they only blog for passion and nothing more but to be frank, only one out of ten bloggers are actually like that. I’m not an exception, I started blogging just because I read it was a cool way to make money online. That’s what got me started but not what kept me going on. I love what I do as a professional blogger and I’ve got passion for it but it goes deeper. Money is my motivation, passion is my driving force- they both work together.
I can assume it’s the same for most bloggers and when you can’t make money with your blog due to some reasons, you find yourself wondering if those who claim to make money online through blogging are actually being sincere… perhaps there’s a hidden strategy they’re using.
Let me make this clear: you’re lucky to be a professional blogger if you’re actually one. Your blog is a powerful marketing tool if well utilized. There are more than just one way to make money with your blog.
1. Direct advertising
This is the best part of blogging as there’s no third party involved and you negotiate directly with your client. So far your site is visible on search engines, your page rank isn’t bad and you’ve managed to reach Alexa’s top 100,000 plus a handful of readers following your updates, getting in touch with those who want to advertise isn’t that hard. They will find you. Just be sure you clearly indicate on your blog that advertising spaces are available. You should also offer text advertising within your existing posts as many companies are dying to have their links in articles relating to what they do just to get some link juice.
2. Google Adsense and CPC programs
Google Adsense is probably the best way to make money with your blog through CPC but there are others as well. If you’re already into blogging, I’m pretty sure you know how this works. There are also other advertising companies you may consider and I made a list on this post. The process is simple, you only need to sign up with them, grab the code to display ads on your blog and watch the money roll in (if you work hard).
3. Marketing your business
Do you have a business you do offline? Are you selling something in real life? Do you have a skill people can pay for? OK, I understand you’re a student and not skilled in anything for now but didn’t you design your own blog? Why can’t you offer that service to your visitors and make some extra income? Whatever you do or sell, that blog of yours is a great way to get new customers. Just think about it.
4. Affiliate marketing
I don’t use this method that much and you can’t even see much affiliate banners around here for now but it’s one of the best ways to make money with your blog. You only need to know how to get started and what program to sign up for.
5. Taking advantage of blog marketing
Social marketing is great but now, it seems companies are focusing more and more on blog marketing. Judging from the number of guest posts I’m offered on a daily basis, it’s easy to tell that blog marketing is really exploding. Just like the direct advertising method I first mentioned, you can write reviews for product or just mention it and get paid for it. Have you imagined getting paid $200 for just inserting a site’s link in your post?If you’re confused about getting started, I suggest you start with Teliad Blog Marketing. It’s an online marketplace that connects bloggers with companies who need search engine relevant backlinks. You can click here to visit.
A word of caution: be careful with sites you link to no matter how tempting the pay may be. Linking to a site with a bad reputation can soil yours and not just with our readers, but search engines as well.
There are many more ways to make money with your blog including getting donations (which doesn’t seem to work great) and many others. You may way to concentrate on the five listed above and if one doesn’t work for you, another definitely has to. Happy blogging!