I started my blog in August 2011, and it has completely transformed my life. Initially, I had no idea that you could make money from blogging. My goal was never to monetize it, but I’m glad I gave it a shot because it has significantly changed my future.
Blogging has allowed my husband and me to quit our day jobs, travel full-time, spend more time with family and friends, meet amazing people, and enjoy a fantastic lifestyle. Because of my positive experience, I love helping others realize that they can also make money from blogging.
While there’s no guarantee that everyone will earn a full-time income from blogging, I know many bloggers who are very happy with their success. Today, I want to answer some common questions about starting and making money from a blog.
**Is it too late to start a blog?**
No, it’s definitely not too late to start a blog! When I started Making Sense of Cents in 2011, people said it was too late, but that wasn’t true. There’s plenty of room for new bloggers, and opportunities are growing as companies and advertisers recognize the value of online influencers.
**What is a blog?**
A blog is a website or web page that is regularly updated and typically written in an informal or conversational style. Blogs can be used for various purposes, such as journaling, teaching, selling products, or sharing stories.
**How do I come up with a blog name?**
Choosing a blog name can be challenging. Here are some tips:
– Make it easy to type and spell.
– Think about the topics you’ll cover and your target audience.
– Use a thesaurus for similar words.
– Make it catchy.
– Consider using your name if you’re not feeling creative.
**What should I blog about?**
Blog about something you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in. It can be a single topic or multiple subjects. Possible topics include lifestyle, finance, travel, fitness, and more. The beauty of blogging is that it can be about anything you want.
**Do I need to be an expert in my topic?**
You don’t need to be an expert or have a degree to start a blog. Many successful bloggers share their personal experiences and journeys. However, if you’re giving legal or tax advice, you should be an expert to avoid causing harm.
**Should my blog be self-hosted?**
Yes, if you want to make money from your blog, it should be self-hosted. I recommend starting with self-hosted WordPress. It looks more professional, gives you complete control, and increases your chances of monetizing your blog.
**What are common blogging expenses?**
Blogging expenses can vary, but you don’t need to spend much initially. My expenses include a computer, blog design and hosting, courses, email list, virtual assistant, technical management, and transaction fees. In my first year, I spent less than $100.
**Do I need a lot of readers to make money from a blog?**
You don’t need millions of page views to make money, but increasing your readership helps. Focus on high-quality content, be active on social media, post regularly, network with other bloggers, guest post, and make it easy for readers to share your content.
**What processes do you follow for new blog posts?**
Here’s my process:
– Think of new article topics.
– Create a monthly schedule of topics.
– Write and edit content.
– Add images and format the post.
– Share the post on social media and schedule future shares.
– Send an email to subscribers about the new post.
**Where does blog income come from?**
Blog income comes from various sources, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, display advertising, and product sales. Payments are usually made through PayPal or checks.
**How long does it take to start making money from a blog?**
There’s no set timeline. Some bloggers make money within a few months, while others take longer. It depends on your effort, learning curve, and consistency.
**In what ways can I start making money from a blog?**
There are several ways to monetize a blog:
– Affiliate marketing
– Blog sponsorships
– Display advertising
– Product sales
– Staff writing
**What is affiliate marketing?**
Affiliate marketing involves promoting a product or service and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through your link. It’s a great way to earn passive income.
**Can blogs get sponsored?**
Yes, you can earn money through sponsored posts by partnering with companies to advertise their products on your blog or social media.
**What is display advertising?**
Display advertising involves placing ads on your blog through networks like Adsense or MediaVine. Income is based on your page views.
**Can I create my own product?**
Yes, creating and selling your own product, like an ebook or course, gives you control over your income. I launched a blogging course that generates significant income.
**Can I make money writing for others?**
Yes, you can use your blog as a portfolio to get staff writing gigs. Having your own website helps you get noticed and hired.
**Do you have to pay taxes on blogging income?**
Yes, you need to pay taxes on your blogging income. Consult a tax professional for advice on self-employment taxes and deductions.
**Where do you get your photos for your blog?**
I use my own photos, Unsplash, Haute Stock, and Ivory Mix for blog images.
**Why does a blogger need an email list?**
An email list is crucial because it’s a direct way to reach your audience. It helps with promoting products, building a loyal following, and generating sales.
**What blogging ebooks and courses do you recommend?**
I recommend the following:
– Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing
– 21 Strategies I Used to Increase My Monthly Page Views from 17k to 400k+ in 10 Months
These resources can help you grow your blog and income. What other questions do you have about making money from a blog?