How to Make Money by Writing a Blog – A Newbie Guide

Are you eager to start a blog but still a bit confused about how it all works? Trying to figure out how to make money by writing a blog can be an incredibly confusing endeavor. The confusion, to a large extent, is due to misinformation and scams that abound on the Internet.

I started my blogging career a little more than a year ago, as a complete newbie, to build a supplemental income in retirement. Frankly, I’m a huge advocate because I believe blogging can work for anyone who has the necessary motivation.

Naturally, the first question everyone has is, can you really make money with a blog? The simple answer to that question is yes.

And yet, there’s a big “but.” that follows closely behind that yes.

Factors to Consider in the Blog Planning Stage

If you’re looking for a way to put groceries on the table or pay the rent now, you’ll have to do something else while you build your blog on the side. Please don’t delude yourself into thinking that you’re the one person in a million that will see earnings quickly. It doesn’t work that way!

The typical blogger labors in obscurity for several months or even longer before they garner enough traffic to see their first earnings. It’s an unfortunate fact that many give up before they see the fruits of their efforts.

This may read like I’m trying to discourage you but nothing could be further from the truth. A blog is a viable, scalable business. In reality, most people invest years of effort in preparation for earning a living by attending college, or a technical training program, or perhaps working as an unpaid intern.

It’s a question of mindset. Can you commit to investing a year of effort to build something of ongoing value? The cool thing is that your financial investment is minimal. It all comes down to a willingness to work towards a dream that’s achievable.

Are you willing?

If so, let’s jump right in!

Can you commit to investing a year of effort to build a #blog with ongoing value?

 

How to Make Money By Writing a Blog – 5 Key Steps

Here’s a proven, strategic roadmap that anyone can implement starting today. Looks like a straightforward process, doesn’t it? And it is, but recognize that you’ll spend time in the trenches at each of these steps. Most of us experiment with things along the way. Some work well and others not so much 

 1.  Establish Your Site – Lay the Foundation for Success

It goes beyond saying that you must take those first crucial steps and actually start a blog. Some of you may have already taken this plunge and are focused on next steps. But others are still stuck at this jumping off point.

The mechanics of this first step are trivially easy. You need a website with a blogging component, and you can have that live on the Web in moments. No, I’m not exaggerating! It really is that easy.

But there are a few critical decisions to make first that will significantly impact everything that follows. Here are the decisions you need.

• What niche or blogging topic will you select?
• What domain name will you choose?
• Where will you host your website?

Do Yourself a Big Favor

Those who persist for the long-haul choose a blogging topic that’s enjoyable to research, write about, and work in. An area where there are lots of like-minded folks who also find the subject interesting and engaging.

I see too many people make this vital decision based on profitability factors alone. In other words, they choose a subject that doesn’t really resonate with them solely because they think they can make money. That’s so short-sighted!

You’ll be burned out with nothing to write about in weeks. Why do that to yourself? Check out this post for creative ways to find a niche that stimulates rather than stymies your efforts.

 2.  Write High-Quality Content That Aligns Nicely With the Needs of Your Readership

Your objective is a site filled with practical tips and relevant details that your readers are actively seeking rather than just a “pitch fest.” Address questions and provide answers that give people a valid reason for hanging out on your blog rather than someone else’s.

I suggest developing a reader persona so that you have an image of a real person to communicate with through your writings. I find it really helps me focus.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to do content writing for websites.

 3.  Get Training and Support

Are there enough free resources on the Internet such that it’s possible to create a blog without training?

Yes.

Will that approach take far longer and represent an infinitely more frustrating experience?

Yes.

I chose the training route complete with a supportive community where I can ask questions of fellow members who’ve already learned the ropes. I like to think that’s why I’ve beaten all the stats. Based on my research, something like 95% of all new bloggers fail in the first 6 months.

And yet, I’m still here more than a year down this path with a blog that continues to grow and thrive. I’ll leave you to ponder the training decision, but if you’re curious, I’m happy to share information about the platform I chose, Wealthy Affiliate. Their free Starter Membership was a no-brainer for me.

 4.  Grow Your Followers

Forget the concept that “if you build it they will come.” Attracting visitors to your blog requires an action plan that revolves around these activities.

• Effective use of keywords to draw in interested visitors.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to target free organic search traffic.
• Social media sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and any other.social site where your reader persona is likely to frequent.
• Encouraging subscribers and then emailing your list.

Over time, these types of targeted strategies will build momentum and get increasingly more eyes viewing your articles. See further details on how to get more traffic for your website here.

 5.  Promote Products and Services That Your Readers Want

Once you’ve got regular traffic visiting your blog and consuming your content, a multitude of ways exists to monetize your site. I use affiliate marketing which is arguably the most popular approach due to simplicity. But in this related post, I describe alternatives like ads or developing your own products that may be best for you.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Thank you for reading my take on how to make money by writing a blog. You have the entire process at a glance along with links to more in-depth information that I hope will quench your thirst for knowledge on this subject.

As always, drop me a comment if I’ve failed to answer all your questions and please share the knowledge widely with friends and family on social media!

Would you like a first-hand view of the online program where I got my start and continue to expand my online business knowledge daily? Just click the banner below, and we’ll chat soon.

 

 

 

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