Can You Really Make Money Blogging?
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
One of the most common questions I’m asked as a blogger, is if I actually make any money with it.
The short answer is yes. Right now, Creative Savings helps me cover all my blogging expenses, while still allowing me to bring home a little bit extra on the side. {Because believe it or not, it does take money to keep a blog going!}.
My personal, and business goal though, is to make a full-time income with Creative Savings by year 3. Despite what some may think, it is possible to sustain yourself financially from a blog.
But here’s the catch….you won’t make any significant amount of money, if you don’t make blogging a full-time priority.
See, although my short answer is most definitely yes, you can make money as a blogger, the slightly longer answer adds a really big IF onto the end.
You can make money blogging, IF….you practice these 5 essentials.
1. Be Passionate About Your Topic
I won’t go too much into my blogging back story {that’s for another post!}, but this is probably the most important point, and should not be taken lightly.
Almost every blogger has a few blogs in her past blogging history that flopped, and it’s most likely because we were blogging about something other than our one true passion.
Passions are sustainable, interests are not. You will soon find this to be true, especially when writing multiple articles each week on the same general topic!
2. Be Willing to Work for FREE
Bloggers that claim to have made thousands of dollars in the first 6 months are the exception, not the norm.
It will take a good year of consistent writing and hard work, before you even see more than a few pennies. Most bloggers who are generating a sizable income have been working at it for at least 3 years.
If you’re truly passionate about your topic, you will be more likely to stick it out for the long run, and won’t mind working long hours, without pay…and they are some long hours!
3. Experiment with Other Income Sources
Before you start generating income with your own blog, you can start work as a virtual assistant for other bloggers. Not only does this help you pay for your own blogging expenses, it also gives you a ton of experience and networking ability.
I explain some of what I do as a virtual assistant in this post, and it truly has brought along more opportunities than if I had just stuck it out alone!
4. Don’t Compromise for the $$
As a reader, you might not know how many blogging opportunities I actually pass by, simply because they just aren’t the right fit for Creative Savings. I am constantly pitched to review products for free, and some brands will even pay to have me write about them.
But if the product or pitch won’t benefit my readers, I don’t say yes, and if you want to be a successful blogger, you shouldn’t say yes either.
It can be a really difficult decision if one of your goals is to make money blogging, but trust me, it will make you better for it in the long run. When you actually share a product you love and are 100% behind, readers will get excited about it too!
5. Care about the Needs of Readers
Want to know something really crazy? I only see success when I put my readers needs and wants first, and when I make sure each and every post helps connect the topic to their personal story.
Your blog is not worth anything if you don’t keep your readers in mind. Every time you sit down to write a post, share a status update, or sell a product, you must be genuine, and truly helpful. Readers can see through it if you’re not.
Anyone can start a blog. But when it comes to actually making money, it takes really hard work. Not impossible, just an uphill battle. You have to tackle those IF’s!
However, if you’re willing to take that chance, you will see so many benefits and rewards that come with blogging. I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else!
IF you’re ready to take the next steps with your blog, I highly recommend How to Blog for Profit: Without Selling Your Soul.
This eBook was written by my dear friend, Ruth, who has become such an example to me, and blogging mentor. If you pick just one profitable blogging book to read, this is the one.
Even if you are not at the money-making stage yet, the principles and practical tips you will learn in this book will not only help you build a better foundation for when you are ready to monetize, they will also help you tackle those IF’s.
Because yes, you really can make money blogging…you just have to put in the effort it takes to get there!
Do you have a blog, or have you thought about starting one?
Have you made any money blogging?
Here’s an update on how I’m doing one year later!
Tweetables:
- You CAN make money blogging, IF….you practice these 5 essentials. <– {Click to Tweet}
- Anyone can start a blog, but it takes hard work to make any $$. Here’s what you need to build the right foundation. <– {Click to Tweet}
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Yes, these are so true. I especially agree with #4. I know of a blogger who doesn’t do that and wonders why her blog isn’t growing. But honestly, when you post things just to make money and it’s not really related to your blog focus it’s not really going to pull in readers.
You mentioned this, but I just want to reiterate. Blogging is LOTS of work. Sometimes I think people have this idea that blogging is a quick, easy way to make money. But honestly, it’s harder and more work than I ever imagined. It takes dedication to keep posting regularly. It takes time. It means being creative and always trying to think of new ideas and ways to keep your site fresh and interesting. I admit that I’m spoiled by being able to blog for a major magazine and not having to worry about hosting issues, technical issues etc. And even so, I find it to be hard work.
Anyway, loved this post. And I think you should do a follow up with some specific ways that bloggers can make money. I know when I first started (before I blogged at Parents.com) I was always trying to figure that out!
I would definitely like to do a follow up…and you’re right about the creative part. It’s hard enough to overcome writers block and think of new and fresh content on a consistent basis.
How neat that you are able to write for the Parents blog!
I love when people write about this; it’s the goal of many bloggers, but not one that is readily talked about:-)
I have a hunch that a lot of us think we are disingenuous if we try to hide the $$ side from our readers. But our commitment to blogging is just as much, if not more, than our commitment to a regular job. It makes sense to get paid for it!
Kalyn, I visited your blog by chance actually 🙂 via Thesis Gallery Showcase list. Your blog looks stunning, It’s very important, in my opinion, to be smooth for readers’ eyes 🙂 The pictures you put as featured image for posts are appreciable 🙂 That shows your creativity.
A blogger needs to be creative. Creative for words, creative for designs and everything. And when someone start thinking about earning with blogs, it needs perseverance & creativity again. It could also be boring at times though.. like in my case. I too have a blog (GraduateLoop.org) & writing bores me sometime & i switch to designs 🙂
May be there is something I’m not passionate about. Your point is right 🙂
Thanks for a beautiful post.
-Sanjeet
Great post Kalyn! I’ve been blogging for a few years. Over the last year and a half I’ve really come into my blogging niche. I’m starting to see more traffic and a bit more cash, but I’d still consider myself in the working for free stage. ;o)
I read Ruth’s book a few weeks ago and it is fabulous – a must read for anyone wanting to make money from their blog!
Yes – working for free – only because it’s our passion, of course!
Thank you so much for posting this! I started my blog about 6 months ago and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I read Ruth’s book and it totally helped me find direction and passion in my blog. I love how you mentioned caring about your readers. That is something that I need to be more aware of. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your passion with us and helping me find a focus for my passion. 🙂
Your welcome! Focus is one of the things that can really take your blog to the next level. I’m rooting for your success!
This is a great article! I even purchased the book on amazon. Thank so much for sharing this information.
I really want to get to the place where I am making money with my blog. I’m glad to know that it IS an attainable goal. Thanks again!
Kristin from Lily & Lace
Yes, it is! Don’t ever give up. If I gave up as many times as I “said” I would, I would be so disappointed in not attaining my goal. It does come eventually!
I have to say: Thank you.
This is a really great article and I agree with you whole heartatly. For you it is of course easier to generate any money, because English is spoken all over the world. My blog is mostly in German, unless I do an interview with an author or music artists that is from England or the US.
I have had a couple of companies contact me and offer me money to write about a certain topic. Mostly travel, which goes okay with my blog. I don’t always do it, because if I havent been planning a post about travel, then I wont just write one to earn the few $ they offer me. Sometimes I dont even know the website they want me to link to, so how can I advertise that to my readers? I try to be myself and be honest and not lose myself in all the little offers I get. Its hard, since yes: It does take money to fill a blog with content. But oh well 😉 Its fun, its a big part of my life and I love it!
I read a couple German-based blogs {written in English, because I’m not that talented!}, and I truly think they are a force to be reckoned with. So much great content there!
I would hope so lol It’s not easy to be a German blog. The big ones are really great but mostly fashion blogs. Or make up. Not sure. I prefer American once. Gives someone like me hope that there is something better out there for bloggers 🙂 Have you heard of TheWednesdayChef? I am reading the bloggers biography right now and its amazing. She started the blog back in 2005 while still in America. Now she lives in Berlin. She is basically an Italien American, who was born in Germany. Amazing. She is one of the big German Foodbloggers. Gets to do all sorts of fun stuff and meet cool people. Dream come true I would say.
No, I haven’t heard of that one yet, but it sounds like a very interesting read. 🙂
Sure is. I do read her blog but it doesnt seem as interesting anymore. When she started it was more personal, from what I have read in her book. Now its more about sponsoring and what she is doing. But nothing too personal anymore. Kinda odd.
When I started blogging, I had no idea you could make money doing it! I just wanted to share my recipes with the world. Now I make a little bit, which is nice 🙂
Sammi Sunshine
Every little bit helps offset those website costs. 🙂
I’m in the same boat. I read the book you are highlighting by Ruth Soukup and saw a 400% increase in my blog traffic by following her advice in the book. I love your article because it helps me keep on keeping on. Thanks for sharing these tips. I hadn’t heard about the “virtual assistant” gig before but have seen it in that I believe Amie Lynn Andrews was a virtual assistant for Money Saving Mom, Crystal Paine. Very interesting…
These are great tips! I have been blogging for almost 3 years and you definitely have to treat your blog like a full time job for it to successful. But it is so worth it!
Thanks for the awesome {Tips & Tricks}! I’m a new Home Blogger & I’ve definitely been asked or even told you pry wont make much money money if any… I’ve been at it for almost 7 months now & have thought about quitting, { It is a real JOB} UNLIKE MOST may THINK! I keep plugging along ,because of encouraging articles like this & the LOVE of the Blog!
Thanks Again for encouraging us new Bloggers!!
-Paige.Rose
Paige, there were so many times I wanted to quit too, but after almost 2 years, I’m so glad I didn’t. Everyone starts out slow until you can establish yourself as an expert. The key is to just keep going. I’m cheering you on!
Hi Kalyn! Wow! I was so excited stumbling upon your blog… found it through Pinterest.. 🙂 I am a new blogger and I don’t actually have a niche. I blog about Alaska, family, inspiration, etc., etc. What you said about writing for passion just hit me. I would love to monetize my blog and I think to be able to do that, I need to have more focus on what I write about. I just wanted to thank you for the insight, I definitely need it! Will be following you… I am also a frugal gal…. 🙂
PS: Just wondering, would you consider ads as a main source for making money off blogs? Thanks again!!
Shelah, so glad you stopped by! I’ve only been to Alaska once, but would love to go back. 🙂 I actually think you have the perfect niche. Blogging about life in Alaska would be really exciting to someone who lived in one of the lower 48, just because the landscape and way of life can be so different, especially in the way you write it. I would just really focus on honing in and developing your writing voice. A niche helps, but readers ultimately follow people – so they have to connect with you, and your personality!
And yes, I would definitely consider ads as a main source of income. That is currently the biggest percentage of mine right now. Affiliates are probably second. Keep on blogging and stay in touch!
Hello Kalyn,
I missed out on that ebook bundle offer. You mentioned you had purchased the books, would it be possible to tell me what the titles of those books are to see if I can purchase them else where?
Thank you,
Jeannette
Here are the titles:
Beyond the Basics: 30 Tips for Better Writing
A Work at Home Mom’s Guide to Building a Business, Blog, and Brand
Hire Blog Help
Make Money From Your Blogging in New Ways
Hi Kalyn
Thank you so much for replying and also thank you for the email about getting started its been very helpful. I enjoy reading your blog very much, I’m glad I found it through Pinterest.
Yes, I have a blog. No, I am not currently making money on it. For me right now, I am just looking for “my” community again and working on building a loyal readership while expanding myself out there too. I’m also trying to decide the exact focus I want to have. I don’t want to type myself because sometimes I do like to write about random things.
I’ve been blogging for 7 years & I have no idea how to even get started on making money from it. I actually run 2 blogs – one lifestyle – the other on fitness. I’d love to be able to profit a little off of it.
I would definitely recommend you buy Ruth’s book – it has so much information that will help you take the next step in monetizing your blog! She also recently announced that an update to the book will be available soon, but the price will increase when the 2nd edition comes out.
Kalyn Brooke. I am interested in starting a blog for me, not money. But ive been so intimated by how to start one. Maybe you could point me in the right direction??
Amy Lynn Andrews is my go-to tech blogger for all things blogging! She has a fantastic series that I’d recommend you read over before you start. http://amylynnandrews.com/how-to-start-a-blog/
Those are some great tips! Thank you so much. As a blogger, I only have 5 months and sometimes it got me thinking if it is just me the one that is not getting money yet from the blog. I love doing it. I love even more getting feedback from the people seeing my tips are really helpful for them. And now I know bloggers generating sizable incomes have already been working for some three years, it makes me feel I’m on the right way. Thanks for this! This message came in the right moment of my life Kalyn!
Oh good – I am so glad you were encouraged by this! I always wish I had someone who would’ve told me it takes time to bring in the income, because I too was getting so discouraged! 5 months is a really good start, and the more content you can write, the better off you’ll be when you’re 1 year+!
People doubted that I worked from home on my “little blog” until I showed them the money. Ok, so it wasn’t a huge amount of money but the check said Google and that impressed the heck out of them. Lol.
Thanks so much for making me laugh! People are genuinely shocked that you can make money legitimately online, and Google is a great way to show them for sure!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your lovely blog! I am just starting out, and am willing to continue to write those passion pieces– right now I can’t really write for my readers, since I’m not quite sure who they are yet! 🙂 but that’s okay — I’ll put in my 3 good years
Thanks!
~Andrea
So glad you enjoyed the post! I really didn’t discover my target audience until I was almost 2 years into blogging. Yearly surveys do help in figuring that out, so I would definitely encourage you to try one!
Thank you so much for writing this post. I keep going back and forth on wether I should blog or not since what I originally wanted to blog about was a very sensitive subject and really couldn’t be made public( even though there are many blogs about foster care) . BUT I have other passions too! I will definetly check out this book.
My blog is still in the “designing the website” stage. It is called Green Living For The Lazy And Spoiled. I read Ruth’s book 6 weeks ago. Loved it! Your post was wonderful. Its important to realize how much work a blog is and how long it takes to make any money. Thanks for all the info.
Such great advice! I have been writing for various sites since 2009 but it wasn’t until a couple weeks ago that I finally bought my first domain and started to blog on my own. I know I have a long ways to go, but I’m so excited to finally have my own place to share my passions and to hopefully inspire others. Thanks for posting these great tips!
You’re welcome, Tori! I’m wishing you the best!
This is a really great article. Thank you! I’m at that point where I am trying to get to the next level (making some real money). Would love some more tips!
xo
styleontheside.com
So glad you enjoyed it, Caroline! Definitely get a hold of that book – it seriously rocks. 🙂
So glad I found this! I am new to blogging but not to my passion. It has been my job for a few years now but I have really been driven to start blogging. I did not think there was a way to make money too! I just wanted to be able to share some of my love for sewing and fabric retailing but making extra cash would be fab! Will be looking for that book and following this blog for sure! Thanks girly!
You’re welcome! It’s so fun to turn your passion into profit. 🙂