How Blogs And Bloggers Make Money Online

21 comments

Updated: November 24, 2018

How do blogs and bloggers make money online? Is it easy to make money from blogging? How much can you actually earn from blogging?

These are just some of the questions I tried to answer during my recent talk at the Asian Business Expo 2008 entitled, How Blogs and Bloggers Make Money Online.

To tell you honestly, I never really considered myself an authority on this topic. I’ve been a serious blogger for just over a year and I know that I still have a lot to learn. But nevertheless, I’m glad that my fellow Pinoy bloggers were generous enough to give me a chance to share what I know about blogging for money.

Thus, for the benefit of those who missed my presentation, here’s a summary of what I shared that night. I hope you’ll find these informative and useful.

The Multiple Sources of Income For Bloggers

Getting Donations
When a blogger is able to provide very useful information to a niche audience, some readers may be compelled to give a tip as a reward for the time and effort in writing such quality content. Just put a PayPal donation button and wait for good samaritans to come.

Joining Contests
Contests in the blogosphere abound. Just invest some time in blog hopping and I’m sure you’ll find one that will appeal to you. The prizes may not always be cash, but it’s always nice to receive something for free. Did you know that I got my domain name and webhosting as a prize from Noemi’s Lovestruck Writing Contest?

Selling Products or Services
If you have virtual assets such as eBooks, then your blog can turn into a 24-hour online vending machine and you can literally make money while sleeping. Alternatively, a brick and mortar business can likewise create an online presence through a business blog and promote community building which can consequently generate offline sales.

Advertising
Your blog is a virtual real estate and you can have it rented. Blog ad networks are always there to sell your inventory in case you feel lazy to do some marketing. But of course, once in a while, there will be advertisers who will contact you personally to put an image or a text link ad in your blog. Remember to write a dedicated page where you can give your sales pitch to potential advertisers. See mine here.

how blogs and bloggers make money online

Earning from Affiliate Commissions
In cases when you have empty advertising spaces, putting affiliate ads can provide your blogging income a boost. Just sign up as an affiliate and flash your referral images, links or widgets and make money from this online version of multi-level marketing.

Writing Sponsored Content
If your blog has low traffic, then earning from sponsored content can be a great way to make money online. Companies such as Nuffnang Philippines and many others have given bloggers opportunities to make easy money online. Just don’t do too much of it because it might cause your Search Engine Results Page (SERP) ranking to drop.

Contextual Advertising
A large percentage of my blogging income is actually from Google Adsense. I also know a handful of Pinoy bloggers who were able to quit their day jobs because they are already earning enough from contextual advertising to pay for their monthly living expenses. You can learn some tips on how to improve your Google Adsense earnings and read my Google Adsense story here.

Flipping Websites
If you can buy and sell real estate in real life, then why not websites and blogs? Buying, developing and selling virtual real estate is also a very profitable venture for bloggers. The process is simple: buy a blog, develop it for a few months then sell for income. Rinse and repeat.

Doing Consultations and Mentoring
As a blogger, you need to develop your reputation and authority for your niche. This will give you both online and offline opportunities to earn extra income. Consultations, webinars and speaking engagements are just some of the ways you can make money because of your blog.

And that’s it – these are the various income streams that brought me money in my one year of blogging.

Towards the end of my talk, I shared to the audience some final pieces of advise that hopefully, will guide them in their own blogging adventure:

  • Don’t blog because you want to make money. Blog because you have something to share.
  • Choose a blog niche that you love.
  • Content is King. Marketing is Queen. Search Engine Optimization is the Ace.
  • Have a blogging income strategy: Plan – Do – Check – Adjust
  • Always consider multiple streams of income.
  • Take care of your health.
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21 comments

  1. The first time I came across your blog was through entrecard. I have since removed it because of a surfing problems. Anyway, I was a bit surprised that such a wonderful niche as yours didn’t have their own domain. I am glad you won this contest over 6 months ago. Congratulations for the success of this domain. It’s really so much better to be hosted.

    I hope to attend your future seminars. Hope you keep us posted via plurk too.

  4. Very useful and interesting article that has new tips which I haven’t read about before. Thank you for sharing!

  5. It was nice to meet you at the Business Expo, Fitz. Thanks for generously sharing your wisdom. I really appreciate the fact that you graciously entertained questions after your talk, even though it was way past 9 PM and the security guards were shutting down the convention center. It showed your genuine desire to unselfishly impart knowledge. You truly deserve all the blessings you’ve been receiving, and all the blessings you will continue to receive.

  6. Interesting explanation, Fitz. I hope one time, I can be able to attend such event. Actually, I think it is really exciting to learn all the make money online strategies and all of them are effective one way or the other.

    Based on my experience, I think the image that you want to convey to your readers should also be considered. Knowing what you like the most and what you think you are capable helps you to be successful in choosing a strategy, or strategies.

    Thanks!

  7. “Content is King. Marketing is Queen. Search Engine Optimization is the Ace.”

    nice, two more and I can get a Royal Flush, hehe… easy to say. I surely would like to learn more.

    great post! thanks for sharing!

  8. @Noemi
    Thanks for “adopting” my blog. I still have my Entrecard widget here cause I still find great blogs out there through it. See you around! 😀

    @Dexter
    Yup, can’t wait to see you on your vacation here in Manila. Manlilibre ka kasi. Hehe.

    @Millionaire Acts
    I wish you the best of luck in your blogging career. I know you can do it too.

    @Natalia
    You’re welcome! 🙂

    @Alvin
    No problem. I hope the next time we meet will be at a Blogger’s event. Welcome to the Pinoy blogosphere.

    @Angel
    Yes, opportunities are just out there waiting for us. But it’s not just enough to grab them, we must also have a strategy for success. Hope to see you again soon. 😀

    @Roy
    I learned everything I know just by blog hopping, reading online and being socially active among bloggers. You can do it too.

    @Bjorn
    You have an interesting site. Thanks for sharing. 😉

    @Monica
    Thank you very much for subscribing. It’s much appreciated.

  10. 1 araw ay magpapabugaw na ako sayo, dun tayo sa santa cruz.ahehehe! nice tips! keep on pouring! lapit ko na ilagay yan paypal donate widget! 🙂

  18. thank you so much for these tips. I have completely forgotten about paid advertising and direct links. I am so focused with Google Adsense kasi.. :))

  19. Great content as always. I have been blogging on and off for several years now (almost 9 years to be exact!) and it is only recently that I’ve gotten serious about making money through it (because I want to really quit my corporate job and work for myself).

    With these tips, I’m sure I can make it.

    But for starters, I will revise my approach to generating content (find my niche – it’s a must!)

  20. Thank you so much Fitz for your sharing it really helps me a lot to make a wise decision in online business, you and Jon are really blessings to me,,God bless

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