Many people who write blogs today
simply want to share their opinion on something. But then there are the
business-minded folks, who have found a way to use blogs, or Web logs,
to bring in a little extra cash too.
If you're interested in taking it
further — blogging for bucks, if you will — here are five strategies
that could turn your blog into a moneymaker.
1. Sell advertising.
This
is likely the most common means of leveraging a blog to generate
income. If yours happens to become a well-known blog, or one that is
well-received in a particular niche, it's always possible to sell ad
space on your own. For Bing Blogs and services such as Google's AdSense
or BlogAds, bloggers can establish ad programs. AdSense's — which lets
you select several ads that are consistent with the content of your blog
— pays you based on how many readers click on the ads for further
information. Even better, it's free. BlogAds, on the other hand, hooks
bloggers up with would-be advertisers and levies a commission in return
for any ad placements that result. "The nice thing, too, is that the ads
are relatively unobtrusive," says Scott Allen, co-author of
The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online.
2. Help sell others' products.
Here
is another click-through opportunity. Affiliate programs enable your
blog to serve as a conduit between readers and online sites offering
various goods and services. One popular choice is Amazon.com. If, for
instance, you offer book reviews or even just mention a book in passing
in your blog, an affiliate program provides a means for your readers to
click directly from your blog to Amazon to obtain further information
about the book. If they break out the checkbook or charge card, you get
paid as well.
3. Solicit contributions.
Not every blog-related income opportunity involves hawking goods or services. As Blanche DuBois said in
A Streetcar Named Desire, consider relying on the kindness of strangers. Ask for contributions. If, for instance, your
small-business blog supports a cause or issue in some
fashion — say you repeatedly mention tax reform, health care or some
other topic — you can always ask for reader support. Even if you've
attracted a group of regular followers who simply enjoy reading what you
have to say, they may be willing to underwrite their loyalty with a
little financial help. Programs such as PayPal make it easy to establish
a simple on-site contribution collection button. "There are lots of
worthy 'cause' blogs that would qualify for donations from grateful
members of the blog community," says Las Vegas communications consultant
Ned Barnett.
4. Market your services in your blog.
Many
people associate blogs exclusively with a cyberspace-based soapbox — a
place to shout your opinions and little more than that. Granted, blogs
are an ideal venue to share your thoughts with others, but don't
overlook their capacity to generate new business as well. When
appropriate, work in references to what you do and, in turn, what you
may be able to offer any would-be client or customer who may be reading
your blog. That can spread your opinion and your business moxie at the
same time."Instead of short commentaries that begin a dialogue with
readers, as many blogs do, I write the equivalent of journal articles
that demonstrate my abilities, strategies and perspectives on specific
issues," Barnett says. "When it resonates, it means money. Since
starting this approach, I have generated three new paying clients and
brought in about $10,000 on revenue — directly attributable to specific
blogs."
5. Use a blog to deepen your existing customer relations.
Nor
does any marketing material inserted in blog content have to be limited
to bringing in completely new business. By using a blog to regularly
communicate with existing clients as well as other readers, you can take
advantage of the opportunity to fully inform them about everything your
business does. That may expand your readers' understanding of the full
scope of your products or services."My blog has helped existing clients
determine the range of my skills and services," says Ted Demopoulos of
Demopoulos Associates, a Durham, N.H. consulting and training concern.
"One client who had only used me for training in the past was surprised
at my range of expertise and is now using me for a consulting project.
Another who only used me on technical projects is now considering me for
a more business-oriented project."
Subscribe to Get Free Blogging Tips And Quality Tutorials Straight in Your Inbox.
Get daily ideas and guides for earnings THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS per day FROM HOME totally FREE.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
Did you know that that you can earn cash by locking special areas of your blog / website?
ReplyDeleteAll you need to do is to join AdWorkMedia and add their content locking widget.