At some point in every bloggers journey they start to wonder, “how can I make money doing this”, and begin to explore how much money bloggers really make. It can be exciting to think about creating an income stream from your blog, but the road can be long and is not easy. Before you monetize your blog, there are a couple of things to consider.
get the right traffic
You hear people talk about traffic as a determining factor to how much money your blog can make. The truth is, traffic does matter, but it’s not that simple. Just because you have a lot of traffic doesn’t mean you will make lots of money.
Do you have the right traffic?
This goes back to SEO 101, where you learn how to attract the right audience to your blog. Developing a content strategy that focuses on attracting your ideal traffic is an integral part of beginning to monetize your blog.
Don’t just think traffic, think the right traffic.
Get to know your audience. Studying your analytics, and interacting on social networks with your audience gives you the opportunity to learn more about your audience. The more you know about them, the better you can serve their needs. And remember in any attempt to make money online or off, it is always about filling a need and serving others.
I always recommend building a consistent 300+ unique visitors a day before you begin monetizing. For some tips on building blog traffic go here.
find the right affiliates or partners
Once you get to know who is reading your blog, then you can choose progams and partners that will be of service to your readers. If you write a blog about finances, then obviously you can partner with programs that deal with finances, such as a credit card you really recommend, or a mutual fund you like to invest in, etc.
The best way to choose affiliate programs to join is to start with products and services that you love and that have added value to you and your blog. Always be honest, and always disclose that fact that you are using affiliate links.
come up with a monetization strategy
Like always, if you don’t have a strategy you will fail. Which methods will you be using? Are you going to be using ads? What ad network willyou choose? Will you be developing your own products or services?
These are the questions you will need to ask yourself.
Then come up with a strategy, or a plan, on how you will use the tools to help you monetize. But first things first, creating content and getting the right traffic. Without it, your strategies will be worthless.
Want more goods? Check out this tutorial on how to make money with your blog.
[...] Blogging newbies I recommend starting HERE before you worry with monetizing your blog. [...]
Great tips
Thanks Lyn! xo
You make some important points, Angie! thx
Catherine Doucette recently posted..Singing Through It
You are welcome Catherine! Thanks for reading!
Great pointers, Angie. Not as simple as just making your site live, is it?
You sure do need a plan! Thanks for another great post… loved it.
Norma Doiron@Start, Grow & Strenghten Your Business ONLINE recently posted..What’s LUV Got To Do, Got To Do With It
If you build it, they don’t just come! It takes some work I’m afraid! Thanks Norma for stopping by
Great post Angie!
It is so very true, we must focus on getting the “right” kinds of traffic and partners. It seems sometimes that we don’t have a laser focus on what the right methods are, and many get caught up and trying a little bit of everything… Which usually leads to not so great results.
Keep up the great work Angie!
Paul Cooley recently posted..How To Create Stronger Loyalty Your Competitors Will Wish They Had – Part 1
Thank you Paul. Yes, the right kind of traffic and the right partners are definitely key! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the great tips! Wendy
Your welcome! Thanks for dropping by Wendy
Some important points here and in great order!
Anita recently posted..Increase Productivity Today – No More Excuses
Thanks Anita!
I agree with your advice on choosing affiliate programs. It’s so much easier to recommend something that you personally use and love!
Helena Bowers recently posted..How Engaging Are You? Four Easy Ways To Interact with Your Fans, Followers, and Customers
It’s so true. I would never recommend something that I didn’t use. I’d feel like a fraud! No, really, I just want my readers to have the best resources. So I share what has worked for me. Maybe it’ll help them too
As an infant blogger, the figure 300+ unique visitors a day you pointed out, catches me. Now I know, it’s not easy in monetizing a blog but I’m prepared
. Thank you Angie for posting your thoughts. Another learning for me 
.
No it’s not easy, but you can do it. And traffic is a factor, but not always a deciding factor. Meaning, just because you have lots of traffic doesn’t mean you will make more money.
Great advice! Developing our voice and niche is essential to cultivating the right audience for our blog, and you gave us workable steps in doing so. Thanks!
Thanks Lorrie! I appreciate you reading and stopping by
It is so important to do these things in order. Build the traffic and the following first. You can’t make money if there is no one to sell to.
And then choose your affiliate products carefully. I have received many affiliate offers over the years but there have been very few that I have actually considered featuring on my site.
And after you develop a strategy, there is an important fourth point–the reality check.
It takes time to begin making money and it’s not likely to make you rich, especially overnight.
Good info again, Angie.
Marie Leslie recently posted..For Pete’s Sake, Proofread!
haha! I love that Marie… the reality check. I think we have all been there. Like the wind being knocked out of your sails! It can happen, and if that’s what you want, you can do it… but it’s no get rich quick scheme that’s for sure!
The best way to monetize a blog is to have an entryway into your sales funnel. That worked for me from the very beginning. And with a small readership
Martha Giffen recently posted..Best Productivity Tips for 2013 Online Business Success
That’s true Martha! And it doesn’t take a huge readership to make money blogging. As a matter of fact, you can have a huge readership and be making absolutely nothing!
Great advice!!!
Not just traffic but targget traffic speaks it all.I thinki need to work on that personally.Thanks for the tips
Great post- I’m new to monetization but am getting ready to launch a new site as a business to promote my own ebooks. Would like to have affiliate marketing as well for a revenue stream. Your posts is really practical and helpful. I’ll be back to your site!
Thank you Glen. Affiliate marketing is a great way monetize your blog. Glad you stopped by, be sure to shoot me and email if you have any questions! xoxo
Ang