I get asked all the time by fellow bloggers and strangers how they can learn to make money blogging. I try my best to answer their questions but it may not be what they want to hear. There are bloggers out there preaching on Twitter and Periscope telling you how they are balling out of control but they are leaving out some important information. I really prefer not to get into the money talk. But I will tell you about my blogging journey and maybe it will help you with yours.
I didn’t start blogging for money. I didn’t even know what I was doing when I first started blogging. Back when I was first starting, a friend of mine who was already making money through blogging mentioned that I should look into a company like HostiServer for my blog if I wanted to take the prospect of making money further. This allowed my blog to go live for people to view and grow my audience. It is a slow process, but I will get there eventually. I didn’t know people received gifts for review from blogging let alone cash. I remember the first time I received an item in the mail. I was like a kid at Christmas. I think it was a $5 body wash or something, but I still appreciated it.
Fast-forward 4 years. Now, I make “decent” coin from this blog (show some love on sponsored posts). Some months are awesome and some months have me scratching like a fiend. Let’s not talk about waiting on the checks *peeps out the window for the mailman*. It took close to 2 years of consistent blogging before a company offered to pay me for a sponsored post. So if I were in it for the money, Baby Shopaholic would have shut down a long time ago.
I love this blog! If I weren’t passionate about sharing, I wouldn’t still be posting consistently for over 4 years. I wouldn’t stay up all night writing post. I wouldn’t waste my time or money attending conferences and events. I wouldn’t be out sweating in the hot sun to take Peyton’s outfit pictures. I do it for the love of Baby Shopaholic. Don’t get it twisted, I love that I can make a few dollars doing something that I’m passionate about. That should be your motivation, not money.
Before the money talk, make sure you are blogging for the right reasons. Below are a few things to think about if you’re interested in making money.
- Have you consistently blogged for more than a year?
- Does your site look good?
- Are you pictures nice, large and clear?
- Is your audience engaged?
- Do you know your audience?
- Is your voice unique?
- Is your site monetizable?
I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer. I just want you to know the real deal. Some people get their hopes up and think you can make money day one. It’s not that easy. Do you guys remember the movie Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner? “If you build it, he will come”. This goes for blogging. If you keep it up and work hard, money will come. Companies will find you. That’s how it started for me.
If you are a blogger, what was your monetizing experience?
tasha
August 27, 2015 at 10:34 amGreat post, Trina. I believe its important that people see the reality of running a blog. Its hard work and love. If you’re looking for a check out the gate this isn’t something you should be doing.
Lauren Mattox
August 27, 2015 at 10:47 amLove the real was of this post! It’s truly appreciated as a new blogger who is starting for the love of it & not the coin you just reconfirmed my thoughts & ideas & that I am doing this for the right reasons! If your doing it well money will come! Thanks for sharing Trina!
Mimi
August 27, 2015 at 10:54 amMy experience has been the same. I think I get mad at these blog and make coin bloggers for not revealing the fact that money isn’t steady and if hubby, bae or boo can’t help carry the bills this may not be the move for you. I am concerned as a saver that they don’t tell you there are savings and retirement accounts and health insurance will need some love as well. I just find that it seems they take advantage of those that are weary of dead end jobs etc. and are so eager to get out that they will take the leap without all of the information they need to be successful. Just my opinion! Great post
BlitzAndGlam
August 27, 2015 at 11:18 amGreat post and so true! I so agree with the Field of Dreams analogy. If you just be authentic and stick to what you love, the right brands and their money and opportunities will find you. Most of my opportunities have come from brands coming to me and I don’t necessarily have the largest followings. They just like me and my content (the funniest story about that is that I actually had a brand tell me once that my blog is a breath of fresh air from all of the southern belle blogs out there. Ha!).
MyCandiShoppe
August 27, 2015 at 12:03 pmThank you for this post!! Just like you, I was Blogging for some time just out of pure enjoyment. I had no idea people were getting paid to Blog or even do Blog Posts reviewing products. Fast forward to this year and I’m still blogging for those same reasons but am now learning how to make a decent coin doing so. If there’s no passion behind it, that will be evident quickly!
Carissa
August 27, 2015 at 1:26 pmYES!!!! YES!!! And YES!!!! That really all I can say…this post is so real!!! What hurts is the bloggers out here saying that they jumped in and are making a bunch of money (and are strictly in this for the money) and its so many of us that legitimately love our blogs and writing and doing it for the right reasons that don’t get the acknowledgment!!!
Marche Robinson
August 27, 2015 at 2:28 pmLoved this post! I feel like there’s such a big push toward monetization that people don’t really blog because they want to but because they want to make money. If you do what you love and are your authentic self, the money will come. If not, you will get burned out before the money even comes!
Robin
August 27, 2015 at 4:39 pmThanks Trina and all the other bloggers out there that are fueled by their passion. Their blogs make for interesting reading & the passion comes through in the articles & the pics & vlogs — I love to see what P has on & the fashion statement Baby H will make & you 3 in mommy & me outfits!
When u give me a s/o or a thank you on my IG Page I’m like hey she noticed that I noticed her – that means a lot too.
Tonya Rapley
August 27, 2015 at 4:52 pmGreat post! I’m going to reference this on my webinar tonight.
I love my blog, but it is a tool. It has helped me build authority in my niche and allows me to present information to my readers. With that said, my blog makes me money, but I don’t make my money from my blog. Because of the nature of the content I share I don’t accept sponsored post on my blog, I’ve been able to leverage it for paid speaking engagements, live events, writing gigs, and coaching. I think people have a limited view of what it means to create a business from your blog and it’s not just about getting free stuff, or getting paid to write about stuff. And if that’s the type of business you want, you have to be ready and competitive in your niche. I appreciate this article lady <3
Lisa
August 27, 2015 at 6:28 pmPreach honey! Preach! The biggest thing I tell bloggers is they HAVE to invest! Invest in quality pictures and invest in a banging design. And stop watching what everyone is doing. That is when i started making those coins. If you want money for posts then that means you are running a business and if so all the rules apply to running a business. Folks want everything for free and it doesn’t work that way. Monetization is not overnight and it takes work and skill and passion. Passion to push through on those slow months!
CaNesha
August 28, 2015 at 12:37 amGreat post as a new blogger not in it for the money but who would say no to money. Love the post & the realness. #blogforlove #notmoney
Shalyce
August 28, 2015 at 10:12 amThis was a great post, and so helpful to me as a blogger! Thanks for sharing these tips!
Toya
August 28, 2015 at 8:13 pmTell it! I started my blog after leaving a job. I was on fun-employment so I had the time. I love the idea of working on my own and making a decent living but I’m too old for that struggle life. I need a steady pay check on the 1st & 15 th. Any money I make from blogging is my play money. And I’m ok with that.
Brittany
August 31, 2015 at 2:26 pmI agree, you have to be passionate about anything you are doing for the money to come. EVERYBODY who blogs knows that money don’t come easy and right away. It’s an investment of MONEY you already have and time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Trina!
Kendra
September 1, 2015 at 6:33 am“I love this blog! If I weren’t passionate about sharing, I wouldn’t still be posting consistently for over 4 years. I wouldn’t stay up all night writing post. I wouldn’t waste my time or money attending conferences and events.”
YES! This is why I blog and go to conferences, not just for the ROI to get sponsored posts. Thanks for letting people know that it’s not always about the $$$.
Mrs. Delightful
September 1, 2015 at 9:23 amLove this post and the comments. When I first started, I didn’t know that you could make money from blogging. I remember it like it was yesterday when I received my first review opportunity. I think these ” make money while blogging people” don’t keep it real. You have to work had for what you want. Not to mention the equipment that you will need, and everything else that comes along with it.
Fenept Financial Coaching
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