The topic of how to make money with a blog gets beat to death.
You’ve read it. I’ve read it. We’ve all read it.
Truth be told, not all that many bloggers are making money WITH their blogs.
What’s happening instead is people are making money BECAUSE they have a blog.
Today’s Lesson
Placing ads on a blog may generate a small income, however, those who claim to have become “six figure bloggers” by doing this, appear to be the exception, not the norm. Their success comes from having HUGH amounts of traffic landing on their blog(s) and clicking on their ads (plus other factors).
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have that kind of traffic and the wait to get it might be a long one.
What’s happening in the meantime is many bloggers are using their blogs to generate income in other ways; in ways where their blog is a stepping stone to greater gains as well as financial increase.
Below is a list of twenty five innovative ways bloggers can and are making a difference and/or are making money BECAUSE they have a blog.
- Sell your photographs
Caroline Manrique is a perfect example of this. She used her photography skills and published a beautiful picture book which highlights some of her best work. She also sells individual prints on her blog. Caroline’s book is featured at the top of this post.
Write and sell books (ebooks or other).
This is what Lori Hoeck did. She wrote an ebook titled “Think Like A Black Belt” using her years of experience in martial arts to create a book chock full of life saving self defense techniques
- Build a new business.
Tom Volkar, true life calling coach, used his blog and coaching business to launch his new business, “Big Link Rally”*. In the future he hopes to take the new business on the road.
- Freelance Writing.
MomGrind’s author Vered used her blog as a stepping stone to become a freelance writer . She continues to blog, but most of the time she can be found creating content for her clients.
- Specialize in tweaking blogging themes
Kim Woodbridge of Anti Social Development quit her day job to perform blog upgrades and template tweaks for her customers on a full time basis. Although she still blogs, her clientele comes first.
- Sell your music
Jannie Funster, singer and songwriter, uses her blog to make us laugh plus bring more attention to her latest CD. Not only does she advertise the CD on her blog, but you can buy it there, as well. - Speaking engagements.
Some bloggers are being paid to speak about the topic in their niche. A blog is a great place to advertise your services as well as to showcase your knowledge.
- Fee based work shops.
Use the information you share on your blog and offer work shops to local businesses in your area. The work shops will also give you an opportunity to promote your blog.
- Sell crafts on a blog
If you have an artistic talent and aren’t having luck getting your creations sold locally, use your blog in conjunction with a site like eBay to market your wares. Twitter would compliment these efforts nicely, as well.
Create t-shirts or other items and sell them on sites like Zazzle or Cafe Press.
On both Zazzle and Cafe Press you can create custom products like t-shirts, cups, stationery plus a whole lot more and make a small commission while Zazzle or Cafe Press takes care of the rest. This works well for bloggers Betsy and Pete of Passing Thru who sell custom stamps. For detailed information on what works for them, see the series of posts Betsy and Dot of Deeper Issues published with regard to making money online.
- Write paid posts.
Although some discourage using a blog for this activity, many are making money doing it. Setting up a separate blog for this purpose may help to avoid your main blog from becoming overly commercialized.
- Webinars.
Instead of arranging a meeting of like minded people in the real world, some are setting up “pay to attend” webinars. Using this method of reaching others not only reduces costs, but can result in a larger number of attendees.
Offer specialty blogging products or services for a fee
John Hoff not only blogs, but offers premium web hosting, security and WordPress management on his website.
- Product reviews.
Some bloggers love to write product reviews. Although they may not get paid to write a post, samples are often sent to them which they can keep. I’m still waiting for someone to send me a Mercedes and to review and keep. 🙂
- Site re/design and/or premium themes
Eric Hamm of Motivate Thyself started a blog and then began to hire out his technological skills to do site re/design for others (including for this blog). He has since gone on to develop a premium WordPress theme*.
- Become a corporate blogger.
The time you spend blogging becomes your online resume. Use it to your benefit and apply for jobs in the real world.
- Be a ghost writer
- Teleconferences
Karl at Work Happy Now offers teleconferences to help improve the work culture in companies. He advertises this along with several other services on his blog.
- Show off your funny side.
Cartoonists like Todd of Asciville are showing off their funny side as well as their artistic talents by using their blog to showcase their creations and to get their name out.
- Create a membership site and sell your knowledge
Darren Rowse of Problogger has a fee based membership site as does Barbara Ling
Hire yourself out as an expert in (____fill in the blank___)
Davina is having great success with her proofreading and editing business and uses her blog to advertise, as well as to showcase her writing talents and her life coaching business.
- Become a social media expert.
Use what you’ve learned from being on Twitter, Facebook and/or MySpace and contract to others and help them build an online presence
- Build the clientele for an existing business.
If you currently operate a business, add a blog to your website to increase your reach and build your reputation. Write targeted posts in which you share tips and ideas with your current and future clients. The comment section is the perfect place to provide answers to questions. Kevin Sandridge’s site is a perfect example of this.
- Teaching assignments
In a recent comment Dominique shared how because of her blog, she was offered a gig to teach a class at a writers conference.
- Help a favorite charity
Although helping a charity won’t put money in your pocket, a blog can help to draw attention and raise money for a good cause. Lance (Jungle of Life) and Joanna (Fitness and Spice) teamed up and published an ebook (Blog 4 Cause) with all proceeds going to fight breast cancer at the Susan G. Koman Foundation.
Ghost Writer Dad dipped his toes into this arena. The last time I checked he’s doing quite well, plus has added other services to his list.
So, there you have it, twenty five ways in which a blog can be used to catapult you and your talents into the mainstream toward financial freedom and/or meeting your personal goals.
Today’s Assignment
How are you using your blog to advance your career, generate additional income and/or reach your personal goals?
If you’re not, do you foresee that happening in the future?
Raise your hand and share your thoughts. I’m all ears. 🙂
~Barbara.
*Affiliate links
What a wonderful post, you’ve captured a lot of great ideas. And just as an fyi, I’ll be moving my membership site to another of my blogs – I learned that one needs to give constant examples of their best work online for free as well.
You can do sooo much with a blog these days….it staggers the mind! I’ve seen blogs that double as online retail stores and as recruiting companies, just to name a few.
And I agree with you on ‘getting the word out’ – one of my favorite new comicson the web, http://www.nicky510.com , is slowly but surely building up a really good following. All because of the blog.
Will be sharing this post with me network, thanks!
.-= Check out Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s awesome post: The Great Eyeglasses SCAM – Simple Ways to AVOID Being Ripped Off =-.
Thank you Barb,
Let me know when you move your membership site and I’ll change the link in this post.
Isn’t it amazing what can be done with a blog? The possibilities are only limited by our imaginations.
Thank you also for the link you shared. That looks like a great site.
Wow, Barbara, extensive list. Very helpful. #23 is me, building an existing business. Current and former clients tell me they’re reading, which is very good for referral business. Kind of like my old newsletter, only much more accessible. On my website I’ve linked to specific posts that are particularly relevant to clients, and a good way for prospects to get to know me a little and increase their comfort. In the past I’ve done speaking and workshops, and if I do more in the future the blog will be a much easier way to market them.
.-= Check out Patty-Why Not Start Now?´s awesome post: Education: A Good Thing =-.
Hi Patty,
Isn’t that wonderful how that works? You can point your clients to your blog and they can see exactly where you are coming from. Thank you for sharing how you have also done speaking engagements and workshops. Your blog is the perfect place to market you and your services.
Oh, boy. I’m not doing a single one of those things! I only make enough money running ads to pay for my hosting and domain service and pay for little prizes I give away on the blog. My goal is to write a book some day, but even if I do that, I doubt it’ll make me much money. Thankfully, I write for the love of it. The money it brings me sure won’t pay the heating bill 🙂
.-= Check out Junk Drawer Kathy´s awesome post: How to Make Nipple Cupcakes =-.
Hi Kathy,
That’s true. If we have enough traffic, ads can get us enough to cover our overhead. As for your book, I think you’re selling yourself short. Based on your writing talent, I’m guessing it will be a real hit. 🙂
Hi Barbara – Thanks for the links to Pete’s Zazzle store and our series with Dot. This post is a great, comprehensive list that will inspire because of the diversity of options. When I began blogging, I thought “traffic, Adsense, sidebar monthly advertising.” I quickly despaired when traffic didn’t build quickly.
Many, and we’re no exception, appear to be cobbling their efforts from a combination of diverse sources. And, it’s true, business enterprises are willing to pay writers monthly retainers to manage and create content in blogs and other aspects of social media. If you can land one or more gigs like Vered (and me), you’ve got a freelance career.
Right now I am meeting weekly with four other women. We’re slogging through a comprehensive course from a well-known internet marketer. The education we’re getting is great, and we plan to use it to add to our online arsenal. It’s been a great experience so far, even if we’re a little slow on the uptake. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. 🙂
Thanks for the mention; we really appreciate it!
.-= Check out Betsy Wuebker´s awesome post: Going All In On the Gunflint Trail, Part 2 =-.
You’re welcome Betsy,
Ever since you and Dot did that series I wanted to do a post on this topic. So many start blogging thinking how they make money with a blog is with ads, but like you said, when traffic doesn’t build, you realized it was time to try your hand at something else.
Your weekly meeting sounds like a great idea. It always helps to brainstorm with others and toss ideas around.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks so much for the mention! Creating the e-book that Joanna and I did was a great example of using our blogs to work for us. Not planned, but one of the benefits of the e-book – especially shared with someone else in the creation of it – has been an influx of new readers – from the cross-section of people we each brought into the e-book. So, I see that this project helped to open new doors for both Joanna and I – by exposing each of us to new people that we would otherwise maybe not have worked with – or at least had a connection with.
I also see my blog as a springboard into connecting up with other people – and where that takes off to, is hard to tell. I’m remaining open to what that can mean – and in meantime, enjoying the connections and relationships that are developing – which has in itself been so, so good.
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Deeper Connections =-.
You’re welcome Lance,
How could I not include the ebook you and Joanna put together? That was a fabulous idea and for such a great cause.
That’s a good point you made. By publishing the ebook, you became exposed to more readers and are making new connections. And I love how you shared on your blog when you met bloggers in the real world – talk about an awesome connection.
Barbara,
Great post and I’ve watched many of these people grow. I continue to get speaking jobs through word of mouth and my book so I’m adding a speaking page to my blog.
I would also like to do something like Lance and Joanna for “Wounded Warriors” (soilders wounded in war)I would like to come up with something original. Any ideas?
Thank you Tess,
You know, I remembered you writing about speaking gigs you did, but couldn’t find anything on your blog. For sure, you’ll have to add that.
I LOVE your idea for the Wounded Warriors. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any ideas, but will definitely keep that in mind. In the meantime, whomever is reading this, please contact Tess with any ideas you may have.
Personally, I’ve never made much off of ad sales or affiliate links on my blog. Every now and again I’ll sell several books a month via the Amazon Affiliate program but it doesn’t pay much (just enough to *maybe* afford a cup of coffee). I’ve had better results with affiliate programs from other bloggers and their e-books or programs (I’m thinking IttyBiz here).
Where I have had much success is in booking speaking engagements and selling a professional service for site designs via my blog. I’ve managed to successfully carve out a niche and I’ve had success in growing my network there. As a result, I’ve benefited from authoring and continuing to author my blog.
.-= Check out Ricardo Bueno´s awesome post: A Couple of Books for Your Social Media Library =-.
Hi Ricardo,
LOL, I know what you mean about affiliate links like Amazon. Right now I don’t even have enough for a cup of coffee. Teehee.
That’s exciting you’re having success with your speaking engagements. Not only does that get your name out there, but you probably gain a larger blog readership, as well.
Hi Barbara,
What a great List!
Even though LLI has not brought in one penny on site, it has been a wonderful connection tool that has been the avenue where I have met so many wonderful people, some who I have developed business relationships for other projects, including meeting coaching clients and other business partners for other ventures.
I openly admit that I have done a terrible job of balancing keeping up the blog the more I have gotten busy with some of these other things. I know that I have come up with a great solution to that in 2010 that will solve that and I am looking forward to getting everything more intregrated in the coming months so that LLi and my other ventures can work together instead if competing with my time. It was kind of sad that the one thing that got the ball rolling was the thing that ended up suffering! I sure would like to hear how others managed that time committment!
.-= Check out Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s awesome post: San Francisco Simple =-.
Thank you Wendi,
How exciting you’ll be back at it soon. As for balancing our time, that seems to be an issue for all bloggers. And just when we think we have it figured out, there seems to be something else which takes more of it. I find it comes down to setting priorities and letting some things simmer on the back burner.
Hi Barbara – Thanks for the link to the Big Link Rally. When I decided to add an events company to my true calling coaching it just made sense that it would have its own home even though my Delightful Work blog shares many of the same inspirations. From the beginning blogging has been a tool to attract clients in a more deeply connected way and it works well.
Once bloggers decide on a purpose for their blog then they can more clearly see what best income streams flow from that purpose. But it all begins with deciding on what you want to accomplish from blogging.
.-= Check out Tom Volkar / Big Link Rally´s awesome post: Recognize Your Power For Good =-.
You’re welcome Tom,
That’s so true. If we don’t know why we’re blogging, it’s hard to figure out what the next step should be. For myself, I know why I was blogging, but didn’t know where I wanted to go with it. It’s taken me all this time to finally figure out what niche I hope to fill (my upcoming project).
And I agree, blogging is the perfect tool to attract and connect with clients.
Beautiful examples and I like how you illustrated selling music using Jannie as example. She’s been the example I point to for all my music friends that need to get online. It’s been great watching her through her trials, tribulations, successes and growth.
.-= Check out J.D. Meier´s awesome post: Argue Your Way to Optimism =-.
Thank you J.D.,
That’s exciting how you can show your real life friends Jannie’s blog so they can see for themselves what they could do to promote their music.
Barbara,
I seriously have goose bumps in that – holy cow, I was just thinking about THAT – sort of way.
I have found an inexpensive way to reproduce my photos on cards and bookmarks so I can offer them for purchase on my blog.
And then reading your post – just the kick I need to make it happen!
THANK YOU!
.-= Check out Peggy Nolan´s awesome post: Your Moment of Bliss =-.
You’re welcome Peggy,
You’re going to have to let me know when you have your “store” open. I’d love to see what you’re producing.
The creativity of bloggers is amazing. We each have our own gift. Now with a blog, we have a platform from which to share it. How sweet is that?
This is a great set of ideas and links, and I appreciate the link love. I’m also happy to discover Todd of Asciiville, whose cartoons crack me up, even though I don’t get all of them (some of the programmer stuff).
From what I’ve observed, some of the people who make quite a bit from advertising chose a narrow niche, such as one person I know who focuses on an incurable skin condition. In these hard times, advertisers go for the “targeted” users, who are there for one narrow topic, so they know their ads will reach almost 100% people who will want what they’re selling. No waste. However, you have to be willing to write about such a thing all the time, which is the drawback for me. 🙂
You’re welcome Dot,
That’s a good point. Although we may attract advertisers by writing in a very tight niche, not only should it be something we really have an interest in, but it needs to be something we can write about for a long time. Those topics can be tough ones to pick.
What a useful post, Barbara! I’ve always wanted to make money off of my blog but I had no luck with ads. You’ve given some great alternatives here and I’m going to look into them to see if I can turn my passion for blogging into a lucrative thing for me! 🙂
.-= Check out Positively Present´s awesome post: note to self: it’s okay to be happy =-.
Thank you Dani,
Keep me posted on what you decide on. With so many choices, I’m betting you’ll find the perfect one to compliment your blogs.
What a great way to demonstrate your point with examples from the community. And thank you for the mention!
We’ve all come a long way since we published our first-ever blog posts. Who knew we’d all be here someday? I find it fascinating to see the blog world grow like a tree — branching off in many areas, including financial. Your post shows that so well.
As for the future, I plan to add video to the blog. When I get the hang of it, I’ll create paid memberships where members receive more specialized videos, such as, “Fun ways to teach your grade-schoolers basic self defense blocking skills” or “Self defense for EMTs and Paramedics.” It’s all still brewing in the brain right now.
.-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: Why you need to learn street cop body language =-.
You’re welcome Lori,
Because so many in this community are taking their blogs to new levels, I thought it would be best to share what those we know are doing instead of using examples of bloggers many of us don’t visit. Plus, if anyone has questions, you’re all just a click away.
I like you idea of adding video to your blog. With you writing about self defense, that would be a perfect way to show others exactly what you mean.
And a paid membership will be great too. I like how you already know who your target audience will be.
Thanks so much for the mention. I do a lot more than that now so maybe I should make my services page more clear 😉 My site, except for the blog, seems to be the last thing that gets updated.
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. I started the blog as a diversion from problems and it turned into so much more.
I love reading what others are doing too.
You’re welcome Kim,
You know, I’ve read how you do others things, but didn’t know what all to include. Now others will just have to visit you and ask. 🙂
Yes. It is funny how things turn out. Often it’s when we least expect it and like you said, it turns into so much more.
Hi Barbara .. great ideas .. I have thoughts for next year .. I have to work out the best way of doing things … but the creativity of people available, and the advice they can get through asking is so interesting.
I’m in that creative space – a lot of space … and I’ll compress the ideas to develop the blog concept.
One thing – which you kindly let me know about earlier – anyone with a blogspot blog .. does not own their content – and they need to move it, if they want their blog in its own right to have value.
Thanks – good post .. and I’m sure we’ll all find something valuable to come up with .. and make some dough .. perhaps we could have a blogging without a blog meet up?!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Fireworks and Bonfire Night – November 5th =-.
Thank you Hilary,
I remember that – where someone mentioned in a comment how the content of a blogspot blog is not owned by the blogger. All the more reason to move your blog if you plan to do more with it.
I’m betting you will come up with a fabulous idea. Just take your time and you’ll soon find the perfect match for you and your blog.
A blogging without a blog meetup? Now that would be grand.
I am honored to make the list, Barbara. Thank you.
I know I haven’t been around much lately, I’ve been so bogged down with work keeping clients and my family happy it’s been rough making the rounds in the comment sections. I know you how that can be.
I think webinars and videos are going to be an increased way of making money online for bloggers. It’s a great way to push products/services and connect with others.
.-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: Increase Your WordPress Blog’s Security By Running It Through SSL =-.
You’re welcome John,
Yes. I know how time gets away from us and visiting our blogging buddies has to be put off.
I’m noticing that too; more video blogs and talk of webinars. Putting our face in front of others only cements the connection we already have with our community. Does that mean you’ll be doing more of those, too?
Why yes . . . yes it does 🙂
.-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: Increase Your WordPress Blog’s Security By Running It Through SSL =-.
You are a champ Barbara, that question has been on my mind and here you are with all this information.
Some I did figure out myself from the comments on the post ‘why do you blog’ but it is great to see a comprehensive list combining it all, with links even. You do make it easy for us, don’t you?
Ann-Marie’s and my blog is to eventually inspire people to be the change they want to be via our learning program.
We belong in the Tom and Tess camp.
I hope you are getting what you consider a great return on your investment, you deserve it. Be sure that you have my gratitude.
Love Wilma
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Questions, the doors to our hearts. =-.
Thank you for your kind words Wilma,
As I mentioned to Betsy, I’ve been wanting to do this post for some time now as I know (some) new bloggers think the only way they can make money with a blog is by running ads. But as we know, ads do us no good if we don’t have traffic. So, then we spin our wheels trying to get traffic. It’s a vicious cycle.
I like how you and Ann-Marie are on a quest to inspire others to be the change. Too often people think things will be better if others change, but you’re making us realize if we make the necessary changes, our lives can be so much better. Kudos to you gals.
What a useful post! Every blogger needs to read this, and preferably BEFORE becoming a blogger.Thank you for the link!
.-= Check out vered | blogger for hire´s awesome post: Restaurant Salads Scare Me =-.
You’re welcome Vered,
And thank you for your kind words. I do agree, I wish I had read this before I started blogging, too as it would have saved me tons of time trying to make a dime from some of the things I tried.
There are many ways to make money off our blogs. They should be used as stepping stones to greater possibilities. As bloggers we can really help the people around us. We just have to be aware of all the opportunities.
It all comes down to trust. By putting out free content we are gaining the trust of the reader. They are likely to pass our name on to others that may hire us.
Thanks you for the mention. It’s always nice to see my name on other blogs.
You’re welcome Karl,
I hear you. Referrals can make a huge difference when we’re starting out. If we earn the trust of others online, not only will they refer us, but they may also write a testimonial. That makes for a real win-win.
In BlogoLand, too much emphasis gets put on “experts” who charge way too much money for “flavor-of-the-month” snake oil….that will be totally obsolete and useless 12 months from now.
The real value lies in selling something that you can hold in your hand (a book, CD, artwork, a lesson, etc), that you can enjoy again and again. That will stand the test of time and still be useful 10 years from now.
By the way, I recently sold two of my paintings, strictly by word-of-mouth. And I wasnt’ even trying.
Imagine if I was….
(One of these days I’m going to host my own site, so I can advertise and sell stuff…which WordPress currently doesn’t allow)
Hi Friar,
Congratulations on the sale of your paintings. I read the comment from Davina and I see she is the proud owner. Sweet!
I do hope you’ll move to a self hosted blog so you can advertise. I’m guessing when that happens your success as an artist will skyrocket. I’m also thinking you need to put your “Friarisms” into book form as they would be a real hit.
P. S. I hope you won’t forget about be on Twitter when you’re rich and famous. 🙂
Hello Barbara,
Thanks for putting up an exhaustive list on making the blog work for me. I am just asking myself what is the next project or thing that feels right to go into. It’s great to read what the other bloggers have done or intend to do with theirs.
With love,
Evelyn
.-= Check out Evelyn Lim´s awesome post: Setting Intents with A Vision Board 11.11.2009 =-.
You’re welcome Evelyn,
That’s true. It does help to see what others are doing. Although we don’t want to be a copycat, often one idea will spark a new one for us. Don’t you just love how that happens?
Hi Barbara. So, THIS is why I’ve been getting traffic to both of my business links. I agree with Vered, this is a useful resource, especially for new bloggers. Blogging is a versatile platform that keeps me active… sometimes more active than I have time for 🙂 Thanks for the link. Hugs!
BTW, I’m the new, proud owner of two of Friar’s paintings. They’re spectacular!
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: New Lives: Stories of Rescued Dogs =-.
You’re welcome Davina,
Haha! Yes, that must be why your sites are getting clicks. You’re a perfect example of how via blogging we can build a business doing something we love.
P.S. Lucky you; proud owner of Friar’s paintings. Might you share them on your blog? I’d love to see them.
Awesome post, Barbara!
It is great how you showcase the unique skills and talents of a large sampling of bloggers and at the same time demonstrate that it is possible to derive income from a blog without having to rely on ad revenue alone. It kind of puts contemporary blogging in proper perspective. And thank you for the mention as well!
.-= Check out Todd´s awesome post: Got 8? =-.
You’re welcome Todd,
And thank you for your kind words. Yes. Making money, or even a living because we have a blog is definitely possible. All it takes is a little creativity. I’m happy to hear you liked the examples.
Hi Barbara! Wow, that’s some list ya got there lady! I love how you share so much information – this is all so helpful. I hadn’t intended to use my blog for anything except a discipline to write with regularity and perhaps as a clip file alternative reference when I read some publishers will read them to see style and if a writer can really write. But your list is inspiring let me tell you! I’m so new to all this I can see I have a lot to learn! Thanks for helping with that!
.-= Check out suzen´s awesome post: Tears of Fears – Veterans Day & Personal Story =-.
Thank you SuZen,
Your comment reminds me of how many bloggers start out that way; writing because they love to write, or blogging to share. But it seems like after awhile we get to the point where we being to ask ourselves, “Is this it? And that’s when many bloggers decide it’s time to use their blogs to advance their careers, start a new endeavor or find ways to enhance their income.
Keep in mind though, you’ll know when you’re ready to take that next step. In the meantime, enjoy the journey.
Just to add that Davina is editing my role-playing game Newsies & Pickpockets, and I’m quite happy with her 🙂
Hi Miguel,
You know, I read on your blog how you had hired “Davina”. I thought it might be “our Davina”, but I didn’t want to assume it was. Thank you for clarifying.
P.S. I think you’ve hired the best. 🙂
Hi Barbara .. something that’s just come to mind .. I heard somewhere ..that if you can keep people in your blog and build a story round the next post using twitter .. it’s a great intro .. and draws people in ..
people who are artistic and craft oriented would be able to use this .. weave a story around their new project ..
lots of hooks, so that when the post appears – we’re all eager to get there to look .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
That’s true. Using a hook or a tease can work to make others curious. Maybe you should try that for your blog. Yeah?
Absolutely Barbara .. but the last three months have been too much – with my uncle and his death, and my mother .. So I will definitely be doing that – once I’ve got my head straight and time to think!
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Fireworks and Bonfire Night – November 5th =-.
Hi Barbara. I have considered blogging about these paintings, so you just may see them. And, speaking of a book of Friar-isms… well… something is in the works behind closed doors here in Vancouver. Even Friar doesn’t know… unless he reads this.
@Miguel… Thanks for the mention and the positive feedback :-). I’m quite enjoying reading about your role-playing game. It’s right up my alley, so to speak.
@Sara…. Thank you! 🙂
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: New Lives: Stories of Rescued Dogs =-.
Hi Davina,
Now you’ve got me curious……
Hi Barbara,
This was a great post and comes at a perfect time for me. For now, I am considering different avenues to achieve my goals so this definitely got my creative juices flowing. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: A Day In The Life of Being Me =-.
You’re welcome Nadia,
I know you’re on the cusp of a new endeavor, so I can see how what others are doing, might help you as well.
I’m waiting to see where your journey takes you.
Barbara — This is a great post with lots of ideas for generating income. I was pleased to see so many of the bloggers that I know and love in your list. You’ve given a great gift to many bloggers who love blogging, but need to find a way to support it:~)
Knowing that you can’t include everyone, I’d like to mention a couple of bloggers not on your list who have created works that I enjoy very much:
Tess (the Bold Life) has wonderful book called, “Flying by the Seat of My Soul” and Chris Edgar’s (InnerProductivity) book appropriately named “Inner Productivity” is full of great ideas.
Another wonderful artist, Serena Lewis, sells her art on her site and it IS fabulous. There are so many more, but I’ll stop there.
I love the fact that bloggers can showcase their talent and make money at it. Thanks for showing the rest of us how to turn our creativity into income:~)
p.s. I can also vouch for Davina’s editing skills. She’s very good and makes a writer even better:~)
.-= Check out Sara B. Healy´s awesome post: The Journey Begins: Part One =-.
Hi Sara,
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing a few more sites others can check out. It truly is amazing what talent we find in blogosphere. We are fortunate, aren’t we? Because we have blog we can get our work in front of a larger audience and hopefully see financial gain.
P.S. That’s another vote for Davina. 🙂
@Davina
Uh-oh. what are you up to?
Hi Barbara. Me again… taking over your comment section 🙂
@ Friar… don’t worry, I can promise you that it’s not an ebook. You should know by next Wed if my calculations are correct.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: New Lives: Stories of Rescued Dogs =-.
That’s a nice list Barbara!
My blog is extremely new (2 weeks or so), so at the moment I’m just trying to get a readership going. But even before I started the blog, I always had the idea of using my blog to offer some sort of a service – mine going more so in the direction of photography and perhaps even an e-book or two. 🙂
.-= Check out Karina´s awesome post: Thankful Thursdays: Week 46 =-.
Thank you Karina,
Keep those dreams in the forefront. With a blog almost anything is possible. In the meantime, “Happy Blogging”.
Perhaps a slightly controversial comment, but I’d venture to guess that even the 6figure bloggers didn’t obtain (yet another) 6figures selling ads until they were already 6figure bloggers…..NO ONE starts off with 15K readers.
.-= Check out Dennis Edell´s awesome post: He/She Has Unsubscribed – Should You Ask Why? =-.
Hi Dennis,
That’s very true. We all start with one post, one comment, one subscriber. It would be interesting to read how the big guns progressed and how fast.
The ONLY one I’ve ever read is Darren Rowse when he revealed all that stuff in his book (which he sold how many of, for how much? lol).
This is where al he get rich quick stuff stems from. Quite literally, you send a $7 product to a list of 100,000 and 2% buy….yea, I’d say that’s rich overnight, wouldn’t you?
Yet alas, how many on that list can duplicate it?
.-= Check out Dennis Edell´s awesome post: He/She Has Unsubscribed – Should You Ask Why? =-.
Hi Dennis,
I’ve often wondered about the books that are written and sold by other bloggers (how much they reveal). It’s nice to know Darren did.
Loved your example. I guess it depends on how others define “rich”. 🙂
I was actually quite impressed with the problogger book, which is not an easy feat for sure…I do recommend it, especially for “newbies”, but old hats (who are not probloggers) a like 😉 .
Yea, just an example but I made my poinyt. LOL
.-= Check out Dennis Edell´s awesome post: I Want You To Review Me. Part 1 =-.
Very late to the party here Barbara, but I did arrive! This UNICEF ebook is keeping me very busy and I am going to need to visit my IT to get it published, we are hoping for Thanksgiving DAY in the USA….I am learning so much.
This is a wonderful list and full of possibilities and opportunities and so wonderful to see this community and its efforts highlighted.
I think one of my important tasks is to read 100-200 blogs a week…someone needs to be reading what is being put out…and then I refer a number of folks to offerings and ideas. I was wishing someone would pay me to read books….I had a friend who did that when I was in school….because I read 3-5 books a week…I read when I vacuum.
Folks used to pay well for book reviews – now it is part of the freebie system…
Thank you for another good post…when are you going to publish an e-book?
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Book Review: Traveling with Pomegranates ~Kidd & Taylor =-.
You’re welcome Patricia,
I didn’t realize book reviews are now part of a “freebie system”. So I’m guessing someone would send you a book to keep in exchange you review it. It sounds like a great way to build up a library of books, but in order to make any money from them a blogger would have to use links to Amazon or the like.
How exciting your ebook is moving right along. As for me and an ebook, that’s on my someday list. 🙂
Wow Barbara,
This is something i have been thinking about lately. And infact just last night my hubby and I were discussing this very thing. He isnt much into blogs etc..but gets my passion. I was just telling him that Now that I have some good content on my blog..I should start using it like an online resume. I conduct a lot of motivational seminars for organised groups and corporate circles along with my private counseling practice….so am planning to add a page on that as well.
Am hoping I can merge my online and offline worlds..in order to not only help others, but maybe silently help myself.
Ohh am also working on an ebook…will give you the details when I finish 🙂
Love
Z
Hi Zeenat,
That’s an excellent idea. With you having your offline business, adding a page to your blog explaining that would be perfect. It could not only help you acquire more clients, but like you said, they can see (and read) your expertise right there on your blog.
An ebook, you say? How exciting. Definitely let me know when it’s published.
Very nice list, thanks. Several relate to building your brand and then profiting from it. I think this is overlooked and very important. I also really like using your blog to aid charity. I really like Kiva (helping people help themselves) and have tried to encourage readers to look into it.
.-= Check out John @ Curious Cat Investing Blog´s awesome post: Financial Transactions Tax to Pay Off Wall Street Welfare Debt =-.
You’re welcome John,
Thank you for including the link to Kiva. That is an excellent charity and one well worth encouraging others to join.
All of these are really awesome tips. Many of them will only work once a certain level of success in your blogging endeavor has occurred. I’m often amused by the way all the “probloggers” promise to tell you how they did “it” without ever really sharing that valuable information. You have a really great site here. Glad I stumbledupon it!
.-= Check out Roschelle´s awesome post: Blog like a 15 year old – Meet Carl Ocab =-.
Thank you Roschelle,
That’s true. Some of these tips will work better once we have a larger following or are getting more search engine traffic.
I hear what you’re saying about some probloggers promising to share, but then only eluding to what they did to become successful and/or increase their earnings. Maybe they tell us if we buy their book(s). 🙂
This list is going up in my office, so that I don’t forget a single suggestion – and so that someday, my home office (aka my living room) can truly be my only office. I started my blog for the usual personal reasons, but over time have discovered lots of new people who I love to read, and who are reading my stuff. Then I started my cooking blog, and broke my dog-training posts out of my personal blog – and networking successes in those niches is the kind of thing that drives me to network even smarter. I’m already a freelancer; if I stay on plan, I’ll be producing online content for hire and have #25 set up to benefit agencies which provide direct support to colorectal cancer patients (thanks to Lance and Joanna for their inspiration and for including my blog in B4C.)
.-= Check out Pat Steer (Gaelen)´s awesome post: Amuse my tastebuds, please! =-.
Hi Pat,
Isn’t it amazing how over time our blogging goals/direction changes? Even though many of us start blogs for one reason, it seems our readers (and what we’re reading), can guide us into a different direction.
That’s great you got to contribute to the B4C book Lance and Joanna produced. I wish you well on your charitable endeavor, as well.
Great ideas! I’m always trying to find new ideas for my blog, but I’m so busy managing the web store, that the blog falls behind a lot of the times. Your ideas is will help me evolve my blog (starting after the holiday season).
.-= Check out Carla´s awesome post: Documentary – Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags =-.
Thank you Carla,
Sounds like you’re a busy gal, especially with the holiday season upon us. Keep me posted on what else you may have found on the list that works for you as you evolve your blog.
Thanks for including me on your list! (#24)
I agree with your point that most folks don’t seem to be making money -with- their blogs, but having a blog does seem to help in generating opportunities to make money in other ways.
Every writing-related job I’ve gotten in the past year has come about at least partially because of my blog.
I’ve always viewed my blog more as a marketing tool to showcase my writing, rather than a money maker in, and of, itself.
Great ideas here.
.-= Check out Dominique-Midwest Guest´s awesome post: Photo Friday: Photowalk in Royal Oak, Michigan =-.