How to Monetize (Make Money) with a Blog



flickr.com Chantal Pare

I Googled “how to monetize a blog,” and picked three links that looked good on the first page.  The first two looked a lot like sales pitches for e-books products or courses. The third one had a splash page that led me to a site that had a GREAT look. They too were selling, but in a way that was more pleasant and in a way that gave me something for nothing (I found a bunch of links and instructions for posting pics without violating rights.)



flickr.com Eric Weinke

The third site has inspired me to write even before finishing the reading that attracted me to it.  A light came on as I was reading what 26 Expert Bloggers like to do to monetize their sites.  I kept reading about how the best thing to do, the most profitable and controllable thing, is to create your own product.  Until now I couldn’t fathom how I could be an Online Advocate or create a “product” out of what I love to do. Then I realized, “How many times have you googled for information?!”  I can create products that will be useful to others the same way they have been useful to me.

 



flickr.com Angie Torres

Another thought occurred to me: “clear and measurable goals.” This phrase occurs any time I want to create a plan or analyze a changing situation. I can do that with my blog because I know how many subscribers I have, and I have analytics built into my blog.  There are some basic things I need to do, even though I already have a blog; I need to blog from my own domain, I need to have a clean site, I need to find my niche and where others in my niche hang out, I need to build and maintain connections.

 

Are you a blogger? Do you make money with your blog? How do you form connections with your blog?

Lean Forward!

Let me start by saying, "I've really missed you!" I've been busy leaning forward in life, no longer allowing fear of falling to get in my way. The blog title is part of a "mantra" I've been using when I recognize fear getting in the way of my progress in life: "Lean forward; it's a roller coaster, not a cliff!" The Desire Map has made such a big difference in my life, and most days all I have to ask myself is "Mona, how do you want to feel?"

Next, I'd like to say "The medicine profiles the line."  LOL, not my words but the words I need to include in a post in order to qualify for a "pay per post" blogging site. I love writing to you all, but I don't love being broke. So, I thought it was time to start earning some money for all the things I love to do.

Courtesy of EncourageYourSpouse.com

One of the things I love to do is advocate for those in need; and I'm actually really good at it! A friend told me the other day that "I've been doing what it is I've been looking for, all along!" My "advocate" journey began with helping my brother get out of trouble and have a good place to live. Then I advocated for my friend who had a massive stroke which left her disabled. Most recently another friend asked me to advocate for her based on what I'd done for others, and a friend of hers even called me last week asking for advice based on what I'd done. The next thing I knew, about 8 jobs in advocacy became available in my county! Got a call today for an interview!

Sold by MonaRAEbeads.com

I made a custom order of beads, and a couple new beads that I'll show you at another time. I watched a really great film last week called "Naqoyqatsi". It was so impressive that I want to watch it again and then do a separate blog post about it. Spring is definitely here, inspiring me to move, play, and create; but I know we will get at least one more snow (we sure need it here!).

I've been working on my website, MonaRAEbeads.com and learning more about social media monitoring and marketing. If you have not subscribed to my site, please do, and you will receive 15% off my beads. I also have started a Facebook page for MonaRAEbeads. Please stop by and visit.