No…this is not some catchy headline to draw you into some unrelated article about blogging. My blogging revenue is really $0.00 with no hope of every growing past that point. What all of those critics say about making money by blogging is true. There is zero money to be made by blogging. With every word in every article, I have not once been paid to blog. Period. I guess it is time to throw in the hat right?! I should just give in to all of the critics and start working for hte man. That sounds like a good time right? Wrong.
Why My Blogging Revenue is $0.00
If you are looking to start writing on a blog and make money, about the only way you can actually make income by purely blogging is to generate content for someone else. You don’t own your own blog and all of your content gets published on another blog for another blogger’s benefit. You get a small fee for producing the content and you move on to the next article. That is making money by blogging.
I do not make money by blogging. All of my content gets published on my blogs for your viewing free of charge. I guess I could charge myself for my articles…but all of that time moving my own money around bank accounts for zero profit doesn’t sound like much fun. Blogging is a platform to leverage other revenue streams and that is the purpose of blogging as it relates to making money online.
Here is my hope. I hope that by helping people in my articles (applies to all of my blogs…not just this one), they feel compelled to download my free ebooks, purchase my premium ebooks, generate enough traffic to sell direct advertising spots or click on an affiliate link relevant to the information provided. On my cycling blog, I have had tremendous success with product reviews as an avenue to provide purchasing information for my readers. I do not get paid for those reviews directly (most of the time I do get to keep whatever I am reviewing), but by providing that service to my readers…I get a commission off of that sale.
As a blogger…you need to look for new and inventive ways that you can help your readers. Much of the content I publish has zero monetary value to me. All of the “how to” articles very rarely have any affiliate links or direct money making streams embedded in the content. In all reality, most of my articles are not for the sole purpose of generating income. My goal is to help as many readers as I can achieve some goal that is related to the niche I am blogging in. By helping these readers…they help me achieve my goals.
Take a look back at all of the massively successful blogs online. Are any of them actually making money by blogging? No…they are not. They are making money by providing helpful services that benefit their subscribers. In turn, they diversify their income streams to make money from multiple sources that all combine to make an incredibly valuable resource online.
Next time you think about making money blogging, you need to step back and take a strong look at your business model. Where is the income going to stem from? How can you generate content that helps people and compliments the income streams you have setup online? This equates to helping readers of your blog and having relevant ways to generate income through that service.
You are not going to make a dime blogging, but you can make a great income by providing a service and helping others.
16 comments
A great article on the different ways that a blog can become an asset. For me, a blog can also be an asset in non-monetization ways too.
A good blog with a strong, loyal following positions you as an expert, an important person deserving of attention and resources.
One thing that sticks with me is Tim Ferriss’ definition of an asset (I may not have the exact wording right but I think it goes something like this): “Something that you still have if all the money is taken out of your bank account.”
Should the worst happen then having social proof that you are a valuable, contributing member of society will stop you from becoming like the 2 “Broke Bloggers” in the picture at the beginning of this article.
“you are a valuable, contributing member of society”
This is HUGE and should be the goal of all bloggers. Too many of them are focused on money when they don’t realize that without being a contributing member…the money will never be there.
Really cool article, enjoyed reading that! As Alex has said, a quality, strong readership is what you need to make money, even if it isn’t directly through blogging.
However, I think when most people think of making money by blogging, they don’t think of getting paid per post. Personally, I feel earning from blogging is actually using your blog to develop income streams, such as selling a product/service.
Hey Rob! Contrary to your first paragraph, this post has a very catchy headline. As Simon mentioned, blogging has multiple purposes. And the real power of a great blog is to open up other opportunities. Nice article.
By the way, I think I’ve been here before but I don’t remember the design. It’s looking good!
You caught me! It was trying to be a little catchy and illustrate a point at the same time.
Thanks! The new design just went live recently. Really feels like home to me now.
Have to agree about the design; it’s simply stunning! 😀
Thanks Simon!
“I think when most people think of making money by blogging, they don’t think of getting paid per post.”
Very true amongst people that blog…but a lot of my friends still don’t really get it. They can’t seem to see the correlation between providing a valuable service for free and that turning into income.
I have a great time helping small businesses and corporations use blogging as a means to collect free leads. They aren’t directly making money off the blogging aspect…but it is providing them with an additional resource for their business. As you pointed out in your comment…another way to develop income streams that sell their product or service.
Well said Robb! For me, the primary reason why I blog is to help others. If just one person gets something done because of something I wrote, it’s all been worth it.
When someone keeps finding guidance, instructions and tips for free, the blog turns into “preview” of the premium products and services that can help the reader even further.
“If just one person gets something done because of something I wrote, it’s all been worth it.”
Absolutely! Its amazing how just one kind word from a reader can make all of the sweat and tears it took to get there worth it. It is also extremely motivating.
A business model is something I admit haven’t planned out completely yet. My missions at the moment is to give and give and give some more. Gain trust with my current blog readers and continue to gain more.
I have mental plans to release ebooks and other potential monetization plans.
If you follow the ‘give more than you receive’ motto, not just for your blogging but in life in general, you will always be a winner 🙂
Sarge | BeginnerBlogger.com
Your model can change with time as things come up…but having one really helps long term growth.
‘Give more than you receive’ +1!
I must say, one of the most impressive and motivating read I came across web. Robb, you rock!
I love that line “you need to look for new and inventive ways that you can help your readers.”
Thanks zazo!
Such a great article…except for the typo…
“with no hope of every growing past that point.”
With no hope of “ever” growing past that point.
Sorry, had to! It was driving me mad. At any rate, this is a really great article for people looking to “make money online.” I always have and always will blog to help others. I’ve been online for 5 years and not once have I been paid to post something on my blog. Seriously. Income is made from products & services. Can you sell content? Definitely. Just…not the content on your blog!
Thanks for the wicked awesome post. =)
Robb, pretty great stuff. You’re one of those guys who is helping to propel blogging back into an art form and not just a business model. Profit is a byproduct of greatness.
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