If you’re a casual reader, feel free to ignore this post. But if you’ve been bit by the blogging bug like me, you just eat up post like this. This post also contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read the full disclosure policy here.
A little background on this blog…
I’m not really sure how long I’ve be blogging. I started 2-3 years ago, but only posted every 4-6 months and didn’t try to do anything with it. In January of 2014, a personal friend and experienced blogger said she thought I had what it takes to be a “real” blogger. I was stoked. I love to write and the idea that I might actually be successful at it was thrilling.
Little did I know the rabbit hole I had jumped in.
Blogging is a big big world and I’m just scratching the surface.
From January to June, I tried to post more consistently. I started social media pages. And I finally discovered the free editing tool Picmonkey. I also joined the Kid Blogger Network. I would have given up LONG ago if not for those amazing ladies!
The only thing I had done to monetize was become an affiliate of Amazon (I get a very small percentage for every sale that comes through my links. It doesn’t effect the cost to the consumer.) and implement Adsense ads (I was making pennies a day).
Then in June, I got serious.
I moved my blog from “Blogger” to WordPress.ORG (you can’t monetize a .COM site). I changed the name of the blogger to something far more “me”. I committed to posting 3 times a week. I upped my game on social media.
In December, I started networking. Without the generosity of other more established bloggers, most of you probably wouldn’t even be reading this! Bloggers started sharing my stuff and one post in particular really took off, first on Pinterest, then StumbleUpon, then a BIG Facebook share that nearly crashed my site. It was crazy exciting. My pageviews quadrupled and I felt like I’d finally broken into the big time. Things have since calmed down, but it gave me a considerable boost (especially in ad revenue and social media followers.)
So here’s what I earned in the month of January (not what was paid out):
Amazon Affiliate links: $82.27
Izea: $76.12 (One sponsored post and one tweet.)
Adsense: $226.22
Total: 384.61
This month I’m sure things will drop considerably. The traffic craze is over, but a few significant lasting changes give me hope.
1. My social media follow doubled, so more faithful readers! Woot!
2. I’ve joined a lot of other 3rd party companies that connect bloggers with brands for sponsored posts. So hopefully I’ll land some of those!
3. I’ve switched my ads from Adsense to a premium ad network. While they take a cut of my profits, they optimize the ads specifically to my site and I’m already seeing a significant increase in MY pocket!
Wanna start blogging now? I must warn you, it’s addictive.
Already a blogger? Any suggestions for me? I could certainly use some!
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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Molly says
So awesome! Good job! I recently got serious about making money on my blog too and I’ve had lots of growth since1 I’ve been blogging for eight years and always made about $1,000 throughout the whole year. But my ultimate goal is to make $1,000 per month extra. Wouldn’t that be amazing?! I found you through BOTS facebook group and I’m glad I did. Love your blog 🙂
Julie says
Thanks for the encouragement! Yes I have a similar goal! I’ll have to check out your site!
Leslie says
That is an awesome turn around! I’m just now getting series about monetizing my blog. It’s a great way to pay a few bills! Hah. Your blog is awesome by the way!
Nicole says
Thanks for sharing. Even though you didn’t make thousands, it surely is a start…and an exciting one to bloggers who aren’t even making that! (Like Me!). I also think it’s funny that we have the same blog template and have similar start-up stories. Good luck to you in all your blogging endeavors 🙂
Laura says
An amazing report! Way to put yourself out there and be truthful. On a fun note PicMonkey has an affiliate program with ShareASale you might want to check it out. If you want a few ideas shoot me an email! Cheers girl and congrats!
Liz Millay says
This is great! It is nice to hear these tips from the perspective of someone who is more of a beginner at monetizing. I started my blog last summer and am slowly moving that way. It would be really nice to have a little extra buffer cash in the budget! I’d love to hear more about Izea. You should do a post about your experience with them.
Leigh Ann says
I’m thinking about being more serious with my blogging and really enjoyed reading this…thanks for the advice! It’s so scary/overwhelming at first!!!
Julie says
It’s been really addicting, infuriating, and fun/rewarding all at the same time! Hope you enjoy the ride!