Monetizing your blog takes careful consideration and know-how. If you’ve tried and it’s not going well, some simple changes may be all it takes to start turning things around.
You’ve come a long way. Don’t let discouragement stop you now. Quitting is the number one reason blogs fail financially.
These common pitfalls hold valuable information on what to do instead so you can feel motivated and believe in your dreams again.
Not Knowing Your Audience
Have a clear picture in your mind of who you’re writing for. It seems simple enough, but you’d be surprised how unprepared you are to answer that question.
Without a solid idea of who you’re trying to reach, writing becomes less powerful. Imagine every detail of your readers from what they value to what they need and desire. Then think about how you will provide it.
Once you know your audience, you can tailor content people truly connect to and find worthwhile. That’s how you begin to build a loyal reader base that continues to grow.
Writing Low-Quality Content
If your writing is unfocused, covering too broad of a scope but not in-depth, you’re offering little value to readers landing on your blog page.
It’s helpful to have not only the target audience but subject distinctly defined. Otherwise, your work won’t hold up well against blogs that do provide excellent and useful information in select areas. The more you hone in on your specialty, the more successful and authentic you’ll be.
Don’t write short fluff pieces with little merit for the sake of pumping out regular posts, along with writing only for the purpose of selling. Readers sense when bloggers are just after money.
Make sure your writing is error-free. Problems with spelling and grammar put people off, as well. You can’t gain authority that way.
Monetizing Too Early
I know you’ve been at this for a while. You have a handful of dedicated followers, as well as new visitors every week. You want to start making money.
Nonetheless, your first priority should be establishing true engagement with followers. Do this by presenting them with trusted, helpful information consistently. Then they’ll start to love you and what you’re all about. :)
Once that trust is established, and you have at least one-hundred engaged and loyal followers, it makes sense to start monetizing your blog so you can keep doing what you love, eventually earn passive income, and be your own boss.
Remember, huge followings don’t always equal huge sales. Quality over quantity is best. That’s where taking the time to connect with your audience really helps. Responding to comments, and taking surveys to find out what they want to read about next is a great place to start.
Placing disruptive ads on your website when you haven’t yet built a substantial, quality audience can slow down the momentum of visitors you’re beginning to enjoy and chase them away completely.
Solely Use Ads and Sponsorships For Other Companies
Have you visited websites that contain what you’re looking for only to have an obnoxious ad spread out over the article, interrupting your reading? I get it. How else can you keep on writing if you can’t make a living at it? But more times than not, if I can’t X it out immediately and get back to the content, I’m gone.
Maybe I would have loved the information, subscribed to the blog, or returned to do it the second or third time. Nobody wants to be bombarded by ads in this way. Advertising too soon and in the wrong way can damage the headway you’ve made.
Putting all your efforts into sponsoring other brands and advertising for other businesses helps them make all the money and establish their brand. Meanwhile, you get a small fraction of the profit.
Writing a blog to promote another company’s product is fine if you truly believe in it and don’t do it often. You’ll be putting in a lot of time and effort just to lead people to another person’s business and website, so make sure it’s a valuable connection to yours, as well.
Even with 300,000 followers, a mere $500 or $600 a month is about all you’ll usually make with this type of monetizing. You need to ask yourself if it’s worth it. Using ads and sponsoring others works best if you have huge amounts of followers.
Though making it big is possible it often takes years to happen. Meanwhile, you can make a lucrative income in other ways.
Use Too Many Methods in Monetizing
After reading about all the different ways to get traffic to your website and the income that follows, you’re ready to dive in and do it all. Soon, you feel overwhelmed, maybe even ready to call it quits. Oh no! Do not fall into this trap!
Relax, take a deep breath and pick two strategies to use that feel the most doable, and right for you. Learn about them, sharpen your skills and begin. You can always add more techniques later.
Affiliate marketing works well if you’re linking to products and services that reflect your mission and you 100% endorse them from experience. You’ll develop authenticity while making a little side money.
Keep in mind that once you have a decent following, you’ll ultimately make the most money by offering your own products or services. Some examples of these are e-books, e-courses, and workshops which can be purchased again and again once they’ve been put together.
You can also offer to coach, design websites, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want clients to work for or only want to focus on selling your own stuff, you’ll decide along the way.
Doing Everything Yourself
Don’t feel bad if you’re guilty of this. I am, too. After all, being your own boss means doing everything, just as you want it, and not having to answer to anyone. Sometimes we tend to cocoon in our comfort zone at home, loving that we don’t have to deal with other people, let alone ask for their help.
However, somewhere down the road, it becomes close to impossible to do it all yourself with so many intricate details of running any business, from email and social media marketing to writing and developing new products.
These details start to fall behind to the point that thoughts of quitting creep in yet again. Darn it, no! It doesn’t have to be that way if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone just a little.
Utilize automation tools to help with social media posts. They’re still yours, with just as much quality, only prepared in advance, a real time saver.
Hire a virtual assistant, or if you don’t have the money, find a friend or family member that’s happy to help out with an issue you’re having on your website.
Make connections with fellow bloggers in the same niche, or in complementary ones. Meet these people in social media circles, by subscribing to someone you really admire, leaving thoughtful comments and eventually emailing them, even skyping. They can provide invaluable wisdom.
As your circle expands, conversations spark new ideas, suggestions, and support for one another, and yes, even promotion of each other’s products or services. Best of all, you’ll make some meaningful friendships while remaining focused and encouraged.
FAQs
Why is it important to know your audience when monetizing your blog?
You know how when you’re having a conversation with a friend, you speak in a way that resonates with them? Well, the same goes for blogging. Knowing your audience is super important because it helps you create content that truly connects with them. By understanding who you’re writing for, you can provide valuable and engaging posts that make your readers feel like you’re speaking directly to them. This builds a loyal following that can bring in the dough!
How does writing low-quality content affect the success of your blog?
Imagine visiting a blog where the writing is all over the place and lacks focus. Would you stick around? Probably not. That’s why it’s important to define your target audience and focus on a specific subject. By providing high-quality information that is well-written, you’ll stand out from other blogs and give readers a reason to keep coming back. Don’t forget to proofread your work too, as errors can make you lose credibility.
When is the right time to start monetizing your blog?
While it’s tempting to start making money as soon as possible, it’s important to focus on building trust and engagement with your audience first. Take the time to establish a solid connection with your followers, providing them with valuable and helpful content. Once you have a dedicated and engaged following of at least a hundred people, then you can start thinking about monetization. Quality engagement is more valuable than a large but disinterested audience.
Why is it not advisable to solely rely on ads and sponsorships for monetization?
If you bombard your readers with ads and sponsorships right from the start, it can turn them off and even drive them away. It’s better to be selective with the ads and sponsorships you choose, ensuring they align with your mission and offer value to your audience. Relying solely on ads and sponsorships means other companies make most of the profit, while you only get a small portion. So, it’s important to diversify your monetization methods.
How can using too many methods in monetizing your blog be overwhelming?
When you read about all the different ways to make money from your blog, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and want to do everything at once. But trying to juggle too many methods can lead to burnout and make you feel like giving up. Instead, focus on two strategies that feel doable and align with your goals. Master those strategies and then consider adding more techniques later. Remember, it’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly.
What are some effective strategies for monetizing your blog?
Affiliate marketing is a great starting point. You can promote products or services that you truly believe in and earn a commission for each sale made through your recommendation. Another effective strategy is creating and selling your own products or services, such as e-books or online courses. These can provide a steady income stream once you have a loyal following. It’s all about finding the right balance between promoting others and building your own brand.
Why is it important to delegate tasks and seek help instead of doing everything yourself?
As bloggers, we often want to have full control and do everything ourselves. But trying to manage a blog can become overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or seek help when needed. You can use automation tools to schedule social media posts in advance, saving time and ensuring consistency. If possible, consider hiring a virtual assistant or asking a friend or family member to assist with specific tasks. Remember, teamwork can lead to better results and reduce stress.
How can automation tools and virtual assistants help with managing your blog?
Automation tools can be a game-changer for managing your blog’s social media presence. They allow you to schedule posts in advance, so you don’t have to worry about being constantly active on social media. Virtual assistants can also provide valuable support by handling tasks like content editing, email management, or research. If hiring a virtual assistant isn’t feasible, reach out to friends or family members who might be willing to lend a hand. It’s all about finding ways to lighten your workload and focus on what matters most.
Why is it beneficial to connect with other bloggers in your niche or complementary ones?
Building connections with other bloggers in your niche or related niches can be highly beneficial. Engaging with like-minded individuals, subscribing to their blogs, and leaving thoughtful comments can lead to meaningful relationships. These connections can provide support, exchange ideas, and even lead to collaboration opportunities. By networking with other bloggers, you can expand your reach and attract new readers to your blog.
What are the advantages of building meaningful relationships with fellow bloggers for support and promotion?
Building relationships with fellow bloggers creates a support system that can be invaluable on your blogging journey. They understand the challenges and successes you experience and can offer advice and encouragement when needed. Additionally, collaborating with other bloggers on projects or promoting each other’s content can help expand your audience and increase your visibility. The blogging community is all about supporting one another, and these relationships can lead to long-lasting friendships and mutual growth.
Thanks for sharing these tips 👏🏼