Top bloggers often share their ideas about “how to start making money with your blog.”
We can learn a lot from them.
But of course we have to distill what they have to say into our own concrete business plan.
Otherwise we just have general ideas of what we need to do without specific direction.
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while then you know that I’m very big on actionable advice.
So I’ll try to give you some of that today.
The Anatomy of How To Make Money With Your Blog
Yes, there is actually a structure that you need to understand to start making money with your blog.
Here it is from Jon Morrow, one of the top bloggers in the business.
Read the full article, “How To Make Money Blogging…” on SmartBlogger.
Okay, so that sounds cool.
If you’re wondering how effective that five-step plan might be, then consider this from another top blog…
Read the article, Make Money Blogging on ProBlogger
Sounds pretty similar doesn’t it?
Well, that’s because it is.
In fact, the anatomy of how to make money with your blog is pretty much set in stone.
You need great content.
You need to find people interested in reading that content.
And, finally, you need to tie that content to some kind of stream of income.
Special: FREE – Start Blogging. Step by Step Guide
That’s pretty much it.
But as John Morrow says… “It’s freaking hard to do.”
Yeah, that sure is an understatement.
If it was as easy as just going through the five steps, then why wouldn’t everybody be doing it right?
Bring Happiness To Your Audience
Well, the truth is that everybody does try to do it.
Most bloggers go out there and try to find readers for great content and then sell them something related to it.
But, you know, that’s pretty basic stuff.
Everybody knows that’s what you have to do.
And we know that all we’ve got to do… is do it.
So, why doesn’t it work for everyone?
Well, it might help to read something one of my readers recently wrote to me.
Obviously, Mitch is adhering to the anatomy of how to start making money with your blog.
But he knows he’s doing something wrong, because he’s not getting the sales results he’s shooting for.
What could he be doing wrong?
And, more to the point…
What are you doing wrong?
Maybe you’ll get some idea of where I’m going with all this by reading how I responded to Mitch’s clear frustration…
You see, just doing things the way you’re supposed to doesn’t always give you the results you are after.
And, it doesn’t always give the results that you see other people getting.
For me, the answer is always in bringing happiness to your readers.
Now, I’m not talking about happiness in general.
I’m talking about making people happy with something that they read on your blog.
And what makes people happy?
Well, anything that solves a problem they are having in their lives, right?
Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic
Recently, I was shocked to find that we had a mouse in our attic.
So I immediately went to some blogs to see how to get rid of it.
I got some great advice and actually even bought a product from one of those blogs.
Did this make me happy?
You bet it did.
So you see, the old idea of making a better mousetrap still works.
People have problems.
And they have challenges.
When you help them solve their problems, you bring happiness into their lives.
You make their lives easier.
Even if it’s something as simple as getting rid of mice in their attic.
When I tell people to go out there and improve people’s lives, they often think it means something really really big.
But it does not.
It just has to be some little thing that helps them get through something they are struggling with at the moment.
Something that they can’t get past today, and you can help them with it.
Read “Why You Can’t Make Money Blogging” on Copyblogger
Is Blogging Success “Beyond Your Reality?”
I’ve written before about how important it is to see your success in order to make it happen.
It’s really true.
I recently read a really interesting article on ShoutMeLoud (one of my very favorite blogs).
It says a big reason “Why You Can’t Make Money Blogging like the Probloggers” is that “being a problogger is [simply] beyond your reality.”
When you don’t see yourself as a serious or successful blogger, you don’t do the things it takes to become one.
Special: FREE – Start Blogging. Step by Step Guide
Instead of trying to build a business by giving value to your readers, you look for quick profits and commissions.
It’s critical that you steadily acquire the skills you need, or methodically develop a process that works.
But you really have no idea how to start making money with your blog, so you never get off the ground.
Eventually, you crash and burn in frustration and false expectations.
Related Case Study:
Read the full Case Study:
How To Start and Make Money with a Kids Activity Blog (Start a Mom Blog, by Suzi Whitford)
So, You Ask: “What is stopping me from making money blogging?”
Okay, so let’s cut to the chase.
Following the right steps to success just doesn’t work for most people.
Related: Proven Step By Step Systems For Bloggers Suck
Why is that?
Because making money with your blog requires more than techniques, tactics and strategy.
If you’ve been struggling to make money from your blog, here are some key, intangible things that may be standing in your way.
It involves
- commitment,
- persistence,
- resilience, and
- the grit to get out of your comfort zone to take action.
Not being able to fully commit to your success, no holds barred
Successful bloggers develop a deep sense of commitment.
They commit to publishing great content, engaging with their readers and sticking to a strong work ethic.
And they commit to overcoming new challenges as they occur.
Indeed, blogging means showing up to work, each and every day.
But your commitment cannot be to just to create content.
It must be to do those things that will make your content the centerpiece of a profitable business.
That means, you must remain committed to using your blog to converting readers into customers and clients.
Failing to take action
It’s great to prepare an outline for your next blog post.
Go over your SEO checklist.
Research some great titles to attract just the right readers.
Of course, you have to do all that.
And you have to know what you’re doing.
So you have to do some studying and preparation.
But you have to get beyond the planning and preparation stage.
At the end of the day you have to actually write and publish that blog post, right?
Then you have to promote it.
Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic
And naturally, you have to reply to people who have commented on it.
In other words, your business can’t be based just on learning and preparation.
In order to make money with your blog…
you’re going to have to implement a strategy for getting customers, clients and list subscribers.
Don’t get lost in the learning just for the sake of learning.
Engage in the implementation of those things that will lead to a profitable blog.
And implement those things consistently and persistently.
That means, implement those things daily.
Now, I’m sure you go on your Facebook account every day.
And you certainly open your email every day, right?
Don’t you think it’s just as important to implement… each and every day… something that can actually bring you profit?
As a blogging coach, I can tell you that there are many, many bloggers who stop themselves from making money blogging.
They stop themselves by simply failing to implement profit-centered activities.
Or at the very least, they don’t give them much attention.
And they certainly don’t do them with the same intensity, gusto and persistence that somehow drives them to create content.
Creating content is a major part of blogging, and most bloggers get that.
But implementing a sound profit strategy for your blogging business is just as important, and maybe more.
Especially if you want to know how to start making money with your blog.
Isn’t it funny that the same bloggers who spend tons of time creating great content, give so little attention to implementing a profit strategy for their blog?
Related: 4 Productivity Tips for Bloggers
Being afraid to “pull the trigger”
“Pulling the trigger” goes one huge step beyond action taking.
I’m talking about your ability to do things that you perceive to be risky.
You know you have to give something a try.
It’s a big step toward taking your business to the next level.
But yeah, it requires doing something that you’ve probably never done before.
It requires that you try something that might not work.
You know that you’ll probably fail a few times before you can get good results from this.
So, you’re up against a real challenge here.
Special: FREE – Start Blogging. Step by Step Guide
Do you have the grit to get out of your comfort zone and take chances?
Or will you retreat, and just keep doing what you’ve been doing all along…
even if though you still have no idea how to start making money with your blog?
Case in point…
I had a client who was convinced that buying solo ads was the best strategy for building an email list.
Because an email list gives you a targeted and engaged audience for your blog, this was a sound and proven strategy to pursue.
So, this person did their research.
- they found the best solo ad vendors in their niche,
- monitored their track record for a while,
- corresponded with them about the particulars of buying and placing their ads,
- wrote some ads to use in their solo ad campaign,
- wrote some email messages to send to new list subscribers…
And even more.
They actually undertook a pretty massive “study” of the whole solo ad strategy.
But after all was said and done, they never pulled the trigger.
They just couldn’t bring themselves to
- put some money on the table,
- give it a try,
- risk possible failure, and
- just see how things work out.
In other words, they totally got cold feet.
Lots of “good” excuses
They made excuses for why they couldn’t spend the money on ads until they were “sure” they would convert well.
I could go on and on with this story, but I’m sure you get the idea.
In order to start making money with your blog, you’ve got to get out of your perceived safety zone.
That doesn’t mean that you must run solo ads or use any other specific strategy.
Every blogger has to follow the strategy that makes most sense for him or her.
If you need help with this, I have a program designed to get you to that next level.
The point is this, though…
If you’re not willing to give something a try, even something that might be risky…
You are going be your biggest obstacle to making money blogging.
Success requires taking risks here and there.
After you’ve developed a sound strategy…
close your eyes, take a deep breath and just pull the trigger.
Make it happen.
If it fails to get you the results you want…
- Go back to the drawing board,
- Adjust your strategy, then
- Pull the trigger again.
Rinse and repeat until you get it right, or decide it’s time to try something else.
Learn about one-on-one mentoring with Donna…
Start Making Money With Your Blog
Okay, so now you’re ready to do some implementation and build up that profit base to your blog, right?
I hope you’ve learned a few things about how to start making money with your blog.
Now, let me give you a couple of action steps to take right now.
- Leave me a comment below. Tell me what you might be struggling with in terms of making money with your blog.
- Then, share this article with folks on your favorite social sites who might like to learn how to start making money with their blogs.
-Donna
Twitter: mitch_m
February 10, 2018 at 1:17 pm #
How the heck did I miss this? A case study of me no less! lol
It’s still not the easiest thing to do, and it’s something I’ve struggled with neigh on 13 years. At least I’ve gotten some speaking gigs out of it; that’s one way to make money blogging. What one finds is that it takes dedication and possibly a bit of obsession to finally make “real” money blogging… something I’m not sure most of us are capable of, but we know how to get there.
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..I Understand What Matt Damon Was Saying; Here’s Why He Was Wrong
Hi Mitch,
There are countless ways to make money from our blogs. I like to embed links in the blog post and do get a lot of clicks and a good percentage of buyers. It can be a product and/or service I offer or even an affiliate product. Every now and then I do promote a product I have done myself or worked with another person with. Sure beats the sidebar lol.
I think it boils down to giving a good CTA for a great offer.
Other than that, my blog is a huge business card. Some have contacted me to help them one way or another. Price is right and I do. Kinda fun when something comes out of the blue like that!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?
Twitter: SKP_Bearings
February 2, 2018 at 12:57 am #
Hello Donna,
Great post, thanks for sharing. Couldn’t agree more as Blue Host with WordPress Blogging is an Excellent way to generate a Passive Income Online. your site has given me the most informative information to help me succeed. Really inspiring to hear about more people making incomes from home.
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!
Hi Shrinand,
It is great to know that this site has given you informative information to help you succeed.
There are so many ways to generate income from home.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?
Hey Donna,
I love this another helpful post, while I was reading I sight you say “Successful bloggers develop a deep sense of commitment.
They commit to publishing great content, engaging with their readers and sticking to a strong work ethic”, I sense you mean, publishing stuff that solves readers problem, what readers want good, but as commitment is a concern, if you were to write your blog what count would you write 2000 words or four 500 words blog post? why?
I would have to say that a 500 word blog post wouldn’t be for me because I always have so much to say. lol
When I write a blog post it is way longer than when I edit it. It is just the way I write and for no other reason.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do I Get People To Love My Blog?
Twitter: nexmobility
October 30, 2017 at 9:54 am #
Hi Donna,
This is simply superb tips to make money online which is helpful for us.
I am also looking for some side income and your tips should be helpful for me.
How you have described all the information in simple and easy language to understand.
I recent time there are so many ways to make money online in simple and easy ways like below:
1) Google Adsense
2) Affiliate Marketing
3) Become Captcha Solver
4) Become Freelancer
5) Virtual Assistant and etc…
So all the above available in market but for all this options blog is very important to display some quality information about us.
Thanks and Regards,
Rosina.
Hi Rosina,
Indeed, I do try to make things simple for people to understand, especially for those with English as a second language and newbies to the internet lifestyle.
Thanks for adding these five topics that can make money online.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Be A Genuine Blogger Who People Love
Twitter: ebusinessroom
October 28, 2017 at 12:43 pm #
Hi Donna,
This is a masterpiece. If anybody never sees himself as a Problogger, he will never work as one. One of the ways you can identify a problogger is in the quality of contents they dish out. They ensure it’s conveying a message.
I will also want to mention here that your target audience determines how much you are likely going to make as a blogger. If your blog is targeted at people with low purchasing power, it will be difficult to making a killing from it.
I’m energized reading your words today.
Emenike
Emenike Emmanuel recently posted..How to Get Rid of Stress While on a Business Trip
Hi Emenike,
You bring up a very good point about our target audience. If they are low purchasing people, it will be difficult to monetize anything. Thanks!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Be A Genuine Blogger Who People Love
Twitter: hassaankhan
October 25, 2017 at 7:01 pm #
Hi Donna,
An excellent blog post, indeed.
I believe that there is a reason why successful people succeed. They take action despite the failures and fears.
A famous YouTuber Lilly Singh once said, “Success lies outside of your comfort zone.”
It helped me so much along the way. I released my eBook on Amazon, and I’m getting serious about videos. I know that I have to go through a learning process, though, but, at least, it’s not holding me back.
I loved your advice, Donna, that go one step ahead of preparations and strategies. I also believe in it.
Thank you so much for writing such a fantastic blog post.
Hassaan Khan recently posted..The 6-Step Process of Writing Effective Content to Grow a Blog
Hi Hassan,
I too believe that people succeed because they take action despite their failures and fears. They just plunge ahead and not miss a beat.
So true: “Success lies outside of your comfort zone.” -Lilly Singh
You sure are doing a great job with your eBook and now getting serious about videos.
All the best to you,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Be A Genuine Blogger Who People Love
Twitter: brpraveen
October 24, 2017 at 11:56 am #
Hi Donna,
This post is an epic and brings back many memories for all of us bloggers here during our initial days of blogging. I did the same mistake of running behind advertisers and getting signed up with affiliates and everything under the sun to make money from my blog. I lost track of content and quality in the process.
Awesome post and worth a share.
Praveen Rajarao recently posted..New iPhone X Leak For 2019
Hi Praveen,
So many still are running behind advertisers jumping from one affiliate to another to make money from their blogs. They are still loosing track of content and treat their blog like one hundred niche sites in one place lol.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: JitendraBlogger
October 23, 2017 at 10:28 am #
Hey Donna,
This article delivers so much value on this topic. The main priority of bloggers should be solving problems instead of just making content that their audience is not interested in. Looking for problems for which a lot of people are searching solutions for and making a simple high-quality article on it is the best way to make money from a blog. Unless you solve you won’t earn.
Thanks for sharing this amazing article.
Have a great day ahead.
Jitendra recently posted..Jason Acidre From Kaiserthesage Interview: How to Be SEO Ninja
Hi Jitendra,
It sure is imperative that bloggers need to be solving problems instead of pushing out content their audience is not interested in.
I like your little saying: Unless you solve, you won’t earn!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: joyhealey
October 22, 2017 at 7:42 pm #
Hi Donna,
I had to laugh at the memories your post brought back, about my early days trying to “make money online”.
Although I’m normally pretty sane. it was quite some time before it dawned on me that the “simple steps” in most methods / courses I invested in were, largely, the same. Simple but not easy. Hard work, in fact.
But if it wasn’t hard work, everyone would be doing it.
Joy Healey – Blogging After Dark
Hi Joy,
Indeed, those courses we all take are great because they make it simple for us to understand. The hard part is to implement them into our business lol.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: KathieMac
October 22, 2017 at 6:55 pm #
Hi Donna,
Well, I like Ryan’s comment on your post about Start making money –
” Super keen insights here that I do want to drill this into every blogger’s noggin” about starting to make money on their blogs”, has sunk in. Great article that spells it all out honestly. It’s not about making money, it’s the point of altruism, helping others reach their goals. The second time tonight I quote Zig Ziglar ” Help enough people get what they want and you to will get what you want.”
Putting together a site, setting up a blog, and everything that goes with all that is a lot. Publishing it to get traffic, etc etc,
Engaging in the implementation of all those things consistently on a daily basis that will lead to a profitable blog. Profit-centered activities
Setting up a profit strategy for your blogging business. All part of the blogging process.
Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Interesting Simple Tips to Get Your Marketing Strategy Accomplished
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks so much for your valued input here. I LOVE your Zig Ziglar quote shared: “Help enough people get what they want and you to will get what you want.” It is so true!
We have to monetize our blogs but to do so we first have to start what’s going on in our noggins lol. We have to be prepared to be giving solutions to our niche. But we cannot give away the farm….that’s what our own products and/or services are for.
Cheers!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: usmile
October 22, 2017 at 8:54 am #
Hi Donna..
The message is clear, you really have to make your own blogging happiness! Solving a problem, offering a solution is the way to go. I believe there’s an audience for everyone, so you have to generate more visibility. The story about the solo-ads probably rings true for many and it relates to “How can I do this?”, “Who’s going to be interested – probably no one…”. Right? You mention getting out of your comfort zone – you just have to do it to get out of that which holds you back. Great read .. thanks.. love and appreciate you 🙂
Lesly T Federici recently posted..Give Your Low Self Esteem a Hug
Hi Lesly,
Indeed, we do have to make our own blogging happiness. We sure do have to get out of our comfort zone. Our mind may tell us “who’s going to be interested – probably no one…” but that is a sign that we have to override that thinking pattern and go full steam ahead.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: erthorpe
October 22, 2017 at 8:00 am #
‘Start Making Money From Your Blog’, what a concept!
It’s weird, admittedly, but as I read this brilliant post, the lyrics of an cn old song, “Taking Care Of Business” by the Canadian rock band, Bachman–Turner Overdrive’ kept echoing through my mind. (youtube it)
Anyway, epic post that’s ready to turn into one of those ‘mini books’ that Ryan Biddulph does so well. Speaking of Ryan, the comments here, and your responses, are valuable insights that cut even deeper into the mysteries of making blogging money. Great job and thank you!
Edward
Edward Thorpe recently posted..How To Reverse Your Normal Aging Process And Out Live Your Enemies
Hi Edward,
I know that song very well lol! Yes, we are taking care of business because that’s what we need to do if we ever want to monetize our blog posts.
Glad you liked me and Ryan in the comment section.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: iamgoldenO
October 21, 2017 at 4:03 pm #
Hello Donna,
This article is worth printing.
Making money from one’s blog have proved to be the biggest challenge for every blogger even though this topic has been treated thousands of times.
But I think I’ve figured out what the problem is.
Most bloggers put up a hard work but they don’t work smartly.
What I mean is this: they take time to read many actionable posts but they don’t act on what they read.
So the first thing to do is act on what you’ve read.
Then also writing what your reader will love just as you said will make it easier for them to purchase from your blog.
But my advice to everyone is to find out which methods work for them.
Thanks for sharing this gem of a post and do have a lovely weekend.
-Golden
Hi Golden,
Great advice you have given … Thank You!
I see it time and time again when a blogger will write a great post, but never acting on what they have written. 🙁
Writing to your reader is a must if one wants to monetize their blog.
We all need to find out what works for us because there is no one size fits all answer.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: MrsPaznanski
October 21, 2017 at 1:19 pm #
Hi Donna,
I make most of my blogging money as a freelance writer. The last time I advertised my blog coaching, there were no takers. However, at random times, people approach me and ask me for coaching.
Janice
Hi Janice,
Isn’t it great when people approach you for coaching? I love it when that happens. The first product I put out years back had a sales funnel. I never expected anyone to go right to the highest priced coaching platform I had, but one fourth of the folks did. Was I surprised!!!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: cheryschmidt
October 21, 2017 at 11:34 am #
Hey Donna! What a great post as usual! I actually had a gal on FaceBook ask me how she can make money with a blog this morning! My advice was nothing compared to this post! I will be shooting her the link shortly!
I had to laugh when I read about your mice in their attic! So Curious! Did you get rid of them??
Awesome Video By The Way!! You Rock GF!! Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..Have You Ever Asked Yourself? What’s In It For Me?
Hi Chery,
Oh those mice lol….I haven’t seen a sign of them since we put in some mint-smelling stuff that repels them. I didn’t want to kill it nor did I want to see it alive. Problem solved he he he.
Thanks for shooting this off to the gal asking you if she can make money from her blog … Much Appreciated!!!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Hi Donna,
Amazing guide. thanks alot for sharing..
what is the best monetization method for a newbie?
Thanks
Rik
Twitter: vishwa328
October 21, 2017 at 12:30 am #
Hello Donna,
Great insight you have shared her. Monetizing your blog and making money from it is a quite difficult job. You have understand the demand of your users, what they want from you? Solving your readers problem is a great way to make money from blogging and this is the reason that pro bloggers makes money from blogging. Blogging is all about helping others to make them successful. What you gave will give you return. Thanks for this informative post.
Have a great day 🙂
Vishwajeet
Vishwajeet Kumar recently posted..5 Reasons Why I moved to Disqus Comment System.
Hi Vishwajeet,
It is quite difficult to make money from your blog unless you really understand what your niche needs. Problem solving is key for content because it builds the know, like and trust factor. Once we acquire our loyal readers, then we can set up a good sales funnel. It takes a bit of marketing knowledge to make sure one is doing it correctly.
Then….money will follow.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: ravichahar27
October 20, 2017 at 10:21 pm #
Hey Donna,
Everyone dreams to become a famous blogger making thousands of Dollars every month. But it takes some time to build a blogging business. People need to understand that it requires commitment, consistency and much more.
Starting a blog isn’t enough, crafting the content, making it worth reading, making your readers stay and many other things should be mastered in.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Ravi
Hi Ravi,
You are so correct because just starting a blog, putting up content won’t do the trick of making money online. Those who want to be “famous” and make huge amounts of money immediately are living in a dream world.
You know as well as I that it does require time and persistence in order to start monetizing our blogs.
Thanks so much for your input,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Twitter: askdrho
October 20, 2017 at 9:30 pm #
These are great tips for new bloggers but they are also wonderful tips for a more seasoned blogger to revisit. Often there is more to learn or something we may have forgotten about. Thanks for a great share.
Elise Cohen Ho recently posted..The Ticket Giveaway For The LA Baby Show Starts Now
Hi Elise,
Thanks for stoping by! Indeed this is great for the new blogger as well as a seasoned one.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Welcome – How Is This Blog Different?
Hi Philip,
Nice to have you out here today.
Yeah, making money with your blog involves so many things doesn’t it?
I really appreciate you sharing this with your crowd.
I know how dedicated they to blogging, are and how much they respect you and what you’re doing on your blog.
You got it all goin’ on my friend 🙂
-donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: pvariel
October 20, 2017 at 3:45 am #
Hi Donna,
You nailed it again with a wonderful and useful post for all newbies as well as Pro.
Your intro is really an eye capturing one!
Ye, one can find a lot of similarity in those two examples you mentioned, but as you said and very well explained it with a lot of information, connected links, and screenshot.
Indeed this is post is an EPIC one and a blogger can pick a lot of information regarding how to make money blogging.
The video also talks volume.
I am bookmarking it for my further read and share. 🙂
I am tweeting it and sharing it thru my social sites.
Keep writing, such educative pieces for the update read for your visitors.
Best Regards,
~ Phil
P V Ariel recently posted..Advertising Opportunities At Philipscom
Twitter: shantanusinha83
October 20, 2017 at 1:41 am #
Hello Donna,
Very important piece of information shared over here 🙂
Every body wonder that their blog should end up in making a good amount of money. Mainly thats why we all are in this business.
But only few can get to this height as, they need to know the basic elements which would make our blogs shine and it could
get what we ever wish for. Almost every pro blogger has their own way, but there is almost 90% similarity in what they
mainly talk about. Only the words get scrambled.
I was very please to see my comment box up here, this really matters a lot for me. Indeed content is the king thats how
people come over to our blogs, but if we do not do other things like networking, connecting and break the bubble and
get out in this hybrid world, nothing gonna sparkle. One can not make money if people do not know what they are up to.
Connecting with like minded people and working parallel to them is the key. Helping others without any greedy intension
is the thing which will make us a winner in every field of life.
Commitment is very important, to be very frank I was selfish when I first started blogging, why should I bother about others
, why should I promote their stuff, these things only dig our own blogging grave. Visiting regularly on every blogs,
apart from pro bloggers the people who just started things. The newbies also need some attention, so that they can grow,
every stem needs a support to climb higher so that he can shine.
Thanks for the amazing post 🙂
Shantanu.
Shantanu Sinha recently posted..Blogger’s Guide to HTTPS and SSL Certificates
Hi Shantanu,
It’s so important to share with other bloggers.
Like you said even newbies need to be recognized.
You never know what a person is a new be today and a major influencer tomorrow… hehe.
I’m happy to see that you got a kick out of seeing your comment featured in this blog post.
I like to feature top commenters because they add so much to the discussion AND it is a major part of my blog.
People often tell me they enjoy the comment threads on my posts as much as the articles 🙂
I think I’ll do more of this in the future.
As for making money with your blog => you are right.
You start out by being selfish and just wanting to build a business and make money, right?
I think everybody does.
But you soon find out it’s not about you.
It’s about making other people reach their goals.
It’s about making other people happy to be on your blog 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my friend.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Get Out Of Your Blogging Bubble
Twitter: SMcLaughlinMD
October 19, 2017 at 10:01 pm #
Donna, this is a phenomenal read. There are so many important points here with great examples. Thank you so much for putting this together.
Hi Sharon.
I am delighted that you found this to be a phenomenal read my friend. I just had to put this together because too many are being lead astray with the phony promise of get rich quick ideas.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: Taiwoemayosan
October 19, 2017 at 8:10 pm #
Hi Donna,
I count myself fortunate to read this post. There are so many articles on the internet talking about making money blogging as if money will start flowing in the moment one starts a blog. New bloggers who go into blogging based on such promise often give up on blogging due to dashed expectations.
This post is one of the most informative and practical article I have ever read on making money with a blog.
Thanks,
Taiwo.
Taiwo recently posted..Living Today with Tomorrow in Mind
Hi Taiwo,
Indeed there are too many articles out there that lead people into a dead end. I see new bloggers give up on this all the time because of false promises.
I guess it is why I was prompted to write this post. I had many new bloggers asking me how to make money fast. Blogging is a business like any other and it takes time to develop.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: marquitaherald
October 19, 2017 at 6:27 pm #
What an awesome post Donna! I love all of your advice, and I have to tell you it is SUCH a relief to see someone talk ‘real-world’ when it comes to earning money with a blog. Just last week I saw yet another of those “Do This and Earn Money Fast!” articles and every time I see one of those it just makes me crazy. I can’t even read them anymore let alone comment because I’m afraid my true feelings will just come bursting out and while I heartedly disagree with that approach, I just can’t make myself do it. So, thanks for bringing some sanity to this topic. 🙂
Marquita Herald recently posted..Are You Giving Away Your Time?
Hi Marquita,
Oh those “Do this and make money fast” articles….they drive me crazy. So much so that I just had to write a real world article on making money from our blogs.
Because I coach many newbies that are coming into blogging from the stay at home mom to businesses that realize they need a blog in today’s world, I start with mindset. And that mindset isn’t about making money fast lol. We both know it takes work in order to do so.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: notnowmomsbusy
October 19, 2017 at 3:16 pm #
Donna, I think you just raised the bar when it comes to writing an awesome blog post! This was a great read from start to finish!
I definitely agree that we as bloggers should be aiming to make our visitors happy but you’re right – it’s not only about content. We have to create a profitable strategy and like you said – pull the trigger and if it doesn’t work out, go back to the drawing board. I’ve done that myself recently and the reset button has been a breath of fresh air. 🙂
My one challenge the past couple of years has been consistency due to personal issues but now that I’m in a new season, I can put 100% of my energy to my business.
Ryan is right, this is a rockin’ post, Donna! Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom here!
Cori
Cori Ramos recently posted..A Cool Way to Get Paid for Your Content, eBook or Video
Hi Cori,
Glad you enjoyed this blog post!
I know that consistency was a problem for you because of personal issues. Hey girl, life does get in the way….it happens to all of us. But here’s a little trick….when you can’t be there, get someone to guest post and also have a blog post or two already written in your back office of your blog. When stuff happens, all you need to do is press that button and you’re on your way. Just a thought!
But even though you couldn’t be consistent with things we all love you and are there for you no matter what. This is one of the beautiful things about connecting as bloggers. We become a family.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: SusanWPTutorial
October 19, 2017 at 3:13 pm #
Hi Donna,
You’re right, building a profitable blog is not as easy as everyone makes it seem. It doesn’t mean that it’s not possible, you’re just going to have to be willing to put some hard work into it.
I don’t mean work on it for one month and then sit back and chill. Nope like you said, it takes persistence day in and day out. I’ve noticed that since I started my blog a year ago.
I’ve never worked so hard on anything. But the truth is that I truly enjoy what I do. This makes it easier to get up and work on my blog. I’ve been treating my blog like my business for several months now.
The best part is that it is starting to make some money. Not a lot, but it is nice to see that it is possible to make money online.
I agree though, creating your own product is the best way to go. After all, we can make money with affiliate marketing. But nothing is better than being the product creator and providing your readers a solution to their problem that you took the time to create just for them.
Once my audience grows more and I actually have built a following. I do plan on creating my own product. Just don’t want to get too carried away and create the product before I have loyal followers.
Thanks for sharing these tips, have a great day 🙂
Susan
Hi Susan,
I just read your latest blog whereby you share your first year of blogging. I’ve been connected with you for some time now and am confident to say you are a wonderful blogger! Your content is great, you have persistence and you leave amazing comments wherever you go. (we do run in the same circles lol)
You sure have your marketing plan clear. Waiting for more followers and doing what you do before making your own product is a wise decision.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: rachellavern
October 19, 2017 at 1:53 pm #
Hi Donna,
Your post ignited a (tiny) spark within me. I know that my biggest problems are the first two on your list–commitment and persistence. One day I will move ‘making money from my blog’ a priority. I have the desire, but not the time due to my higher priorities (income producing activities, of course).
We do need to design a service or product around people’s burning pains. And after all that research into our ideal client’s burning pains, then we can start working out what services and products we should offer out there to the world. There’s no use even considering offering to do/create something if my ideal client is unlikely to purchase it.
Rachel Lavern recently posted..Are You Fighting the Future?
Hi Rachel,
Without commitment and persistence, we find ourselves stuck. Nothing wrong with that unless you have a desire to move forward. Prioritizing is necessary but as long as we make that commitment and persist even on a lesser scale that we want to, we can achieve monetization of our own products and/or services.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: imblog101
October 19, 2017 at 1:35 pm #
Hey Donna!
First, I’d like to say, nice scarf! … I like your style! 😉
You hit great points here on making money with a blog online. I like that quote from CopyBlogger; “If you want to make money in the real world, solve real problem!” – That is very well said. Zig Ziglar said too; “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
Successful blogging is about solving specific solutions. You have to come into this blogging venture with that mentality already. Don’t chase the money, chase the passion of helping others. Just make sure you also learn how to monetize that passion. of course. At the end of the day you do have to pay the bills, right!
But start with passion, and also a lot of happiness. Just look at how Ryan Biddulph is running his blog! … all from a happy place in his heart! 😀
I think it is super important to really think about the Niche you want to build a blog around. Building a blog about making money with a blog can be really tough – because of the tremendous competition in the niche. But it is not impossible to make it happen, I just want to point out the fact that you must find YOUR NICHE. Don’t follow what others are doing and getting into, follow your heart, your passion, build from there and monetize from there.
The steps to building a profitable blog online are so simple – yet not many really really get it, right. This is why we all keep on teaching this because some will really get it with time!
We all are here, on this earth-plane, to help each other!! … we just happen to have this internet thingy we can use to help globaly!
Thank you for an awesome and helpful post, Donna!
I’ll see you around!
Cheers! 🙂
Freddy G. Cabrera recently posted..Small Businesses Should Use Micro-Influencers – Here is WHY!
Hi Freddy,
Thanks…that scarf was a great find at an antique flea market! I like things that are “different” and appreciate your compliment.
Now…down to business. I do like those quotes you have given here. It is so true. I came into the online world from owning my own offline business. I knew that if money wasn’t in my mindset, and I was there as a service to others prosperity would come and it sure did.
It is so important to find our own niche and not let anyone lead us astray. Following our heart and intuition leads us to the right roads all the time!
When we have the mindset of helping others in our niche and are focused on that, money does follow. I learned that many years ago with my offline businesses so I can honestly say that it is true.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Hi Ryan,
Indeed, we are very much alike because we do factor energy into our blogs. Energy is a powerful thing and if on the side of positive energy … well anything is possible.
I see it as blogging not only from our heads, but from our hearts. When done this way we can spread that joy we have inside. It is not only in our blogs but online as well. Even when we are producing products and services for others we need it to be from the point of altruism.
It sure is infectious! We can feel it in writing, speaking and videos that people do.
Harsh does make such a great point to baby step your way to Pro Blogger status. It is the best advice we can pass on to bloggers.
You make a great point of helping people when you don’t think about your own ambitions, but rather helping others and also detaching from money itself.
He He…I do want to drill this into every bloggers noggins –
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..3 Blogging Commitments Guaranteed To Boost Your Business
Twitter: ryanbiddulph
October 19, 2017 at 11:15 am #
Hi Donna,
This read is sensational.
The happiness point is so rarely made in the blogging tips niche, but I knew you’d move in that direction. Truthfully, you and I are 2 of the select few bloggers who factor energy heavily into blogging. We know that if you have your happiness, and share solutions that bring your readers happiness, that this is the exact point where money starts to flow in. This is how you do the blogging bit full time, and this is how you keep giving and serving and connecting and enjoying the ride even before any money flows in.
I had to clear deep fears to become happy, and to blog with love. Well worth the effort and uncomfortable moments because I have been able to give from a pretty detached space, which helped me to help more folks and of course, as I become more detached, money flows in freely. Awesome how it works.
But I had to make my happiness and my reader’s happiness the priority. You really gotta have fun in this blogging game, and when you do, that fun energy becomes infectious. Then you inject that fun energy into your products and services, and people feel it, and also feel how a visit to your blog increases their happiness levels, then they buy in on so many levels.
Good point by Harsh too; gotta baby step your way up to Pro Blogger status, if you want to eventually reach that type of an audience. For me, it is all about meeting and serving folks, one at a time. I am beginning to see how you can scale toward some neat levels – to help a bunch of people – when you think not about your ambitions, but about how you can help people with love, for fun, and detaching largely from outcomes in the process.
Rocking post Donna. Super keen insights here that bloggers need to drill into their noggins.
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..BFP Podcast Episode 30: What to Do if Your Guest Post Pitches Are Ignored