Blogging has been a word in my vocabulary for quite some time. I never really thought of it as a get-rich-quick scheme, but a way to compile thoughts. Facebook happened and my blogs died. It wasn’t until many years later I decided to give blogging another try.

Online Ads Everywhere – Display Advertisements to Help Monetize Your Blog

After working at Comcast Spotlight (selling cable television and internet ads), I realized the value of display ads on a website. They promoted the homepage of their website heavily. Thousands upon thousands of impressions were being served every day. There was money in the ads.

It learned it was less about the CTR (click-thru-rate) than it was a digital billboard. Businesses spend thousands of dollars each month, littering the Ohio Valley with Lamar billboards. For that same price, you could promote your website all over the web. Properties like WTRF and WeeLunk provide great local opportunities to reach thousands through display ads.

If you could create a website to generate some traffic, how much money could you make from selling display ads?

Monetize a Blog with Affiliates, Sponsorship, and Ohio Valley Influencers

Display ads are right in your face. Other money-making opportunities are a little more subtle.

Sponsorships come in many shapes and forms. I have seen entire blogs sponsored by companies. I have also witnessed individual sponsored posts. If you have enough users/visitors, you can attract businesses and take advantage of that web traffic.

Influencers are fun. Many hang out on Instagram and other social platforms, but influencers can be anywhere. Think of the people online that post and post and post. Influencers talk about products, show you products, and generally give their opinion on products. They gain a following and they make recommendations to their audience. Influencers can get sponsorships and also take advantage of Affiliate Marketing.

Affiliate marketing was new to me. I was first introduced to some Walt Disney World podcasts when they were promoting their Affiliate links and programs. After listening to this weeks recommendation – Listen Money Matters, affiliate marketing is one great way to monetize your blog.

The Premise of Listen Money Matters

I discovered Listen Money Matters a few weeks ago when I wanted to hear more about AdSense and affiliate marketing. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard one of the hosts talking about their Swim School website. Turns out, I stumbled upon his other podcasts months ago.

Honest and uncensored – this is not your father’s boring finance show. This show brings much needed ACTIONABLE advice to a people who hate being lectured about personal finance from the out-of-touch one percent. Andrew and Matt are relatable, funny, and brash. Their down-to-earth discussions about money are entertaining whether you’re a financial whiz or just starting out.

Listen Money Matters on Apple Podcasts

After giving it a listen, I was sold. I hit subscribe and ready to listen to Andrew and Matt weekly.

Why Did I Pick a Podcast about Monetizing a Blog?

Some of us blog for business.

Some of us blog for enjoyment.

I say, why not both?

I personally utilize my blog on EricHersey.com as a way to show expertise and also tell my story (as uninteresting as it sometimes may be). Regular segments like this (Listen of the Week) help anyone interested in web design or digital marketing get access to resources without having to do a ton of the searching. The only way I make money is if someone wants to use my services.

I could throw a ton of ads on my site or even make recommendations with affiliate links, but that’s not the way I want to monetize my blog.

However, I do have several side (hobby) websites that make sense to monetize.

After listening to this weeks podcast, I have several great ideas that I want to implement. Here are some tips, suggestions, and overall interesting tidbits from the podcast:

• You should be able to make $1,000 in affiliate links in the first year
• Spend 3-4 hours on each blog and build towards 50+ total articles
• Each blog article is like a Rental Property. You will have to maintain monthly.
• Timetable for success. How long does it take to make a living from a successful blog?

I loved hearing about some of their successes. Not only were they able to monetize one blog, they kept doing it. There were several blogs that earned them over six-figures per year.

Imagine how many Walt Disney trips I could take with that success?!

I have a new goal.

The Podcast: “How to Start and Monetize a Blog Quickly”

The first half of the podcast is more about how to setup a blog and what to consider. The second half talks about affiliate links.

It’s worth an entire listen if you are looking for suggestions on how you can make money from your blog.