Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Can You Make Money Blogging - Month Four

It feels like the months are flying by. This blog is four months old today. This month I lost my Adsense, but gained BlogHer. I'm going to give a brief description of how I earn or could potentially earn through each ad medium.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is my favorite. It is a search engine that pays you back a portion of their ad revenue. I earn through referring others. They match all referrals' first 100 swagbucks, or about $10. I love swagbucks because I am genuinely enhancing my readers' life through referring them.


BlogHer

With BlogHer, I am paid per impression or page view. I can earn anything between one twentieth of a cent all the way up to half a penny per impression, depending on the ad. If you like me and read my site through a feed, don't worry that I'm not getting a fraction of a penny through you; I'm doing okay. If you come to my site and don't want me to get a fraction of a penny from you, subscribe and read me through a feed. But beware, you'll be missing out on the comments section, which is half the fun of this blog.

Amazon

Often in a post, I include an Amazon affiliate link to something I bought or I am talking about. If you click on the link, you don't have to buy the product I'm talking about for me to be paid, but if you buy something else, I will get a percentage, around 6%.

Adsense

My Adsense account was cancelled, but I got paid for some of what Adsense owed me. I may or may not get the rest of what Adsense owes me, including some earnings in my fourth month. With Adsense, I earned through people clicking on links.

Commission Junction

I haven't done anything with Commission Junction except browse and create one relationship with a seller, Fabric.com. They have clearance fabric for $1.95/yard which isn't bad, but I really only like paying up to $1/yard for fabric, unless I have something special in mind. I'm a little hesitant about buying fabric online as I like to feel it first and I'm afraid the colors will look different in real life. I'm a great salesperson for them, huh? They have free downloadable patterns, though, which I think is something that some of you might be interested in. I haven't decided what I'm going to do about putting an ad up.

Selling Ad Space

I haven't technically sold ad space, but I'm open to the idea. I would warn those who are interested that a good chunk of my readers are trying to not spend money, so this may not be the best place to advertise, unless you sell something that will save money. I do get a good chunk of traffic, though, and I have a lot of readers who think I'm crazy for not spending money, so they might be buying what you're selling.

Bonus

As a bonus, I won two giveaways this past week. Neither has anything to do with my blog, but I sure do love winning giveaways! I won a dishrag from Ultimate Money Blog and a $25 Marshalls gift card from We Are THAT Family.

Total

My total in my fourth month blogging, not including the Adsense money that I'm not sure I'll get or the giveaway stuff, is $425.20. I haven't seen most of it yet and almost half of it will be coming by way of Amazon gift cards. Swagbucks out earned BlogHer this month, but I didn't start BlogHer until December first, so I think that will be different next month.

For a recap:
Month One Blogging: $55.50
Month Two Blogging: $215.32
Month Three Blogging: $299.48
Month Four Blogging: $423.20

The month three income includes unpaid income from Adsense, so I'm not sure that one is accurate. Although our savings is only technically up $200 from the blog, we didn't have to take out the money that we had set aside for my birthday and for Christmas. So, I think I can definitively say, "Yes, you can make money blogging."

43 comments:

Kay said...

Glad to hear it's working out :)

Guinevere said...

Very helpful post! I just signed up for Swagbucks and E-bates (although the last, of course, is for people who actually buy things ;))

Michelle said...

Wow! I'm very impressed with those earnings from blogging!

I am also a blogger. One place that I've been writing for is Examiner.com. I'm a Homeschooling Examiner, and the articles are fun and easy to write. Even though it's not a huge money-maker, I like the outlet.

I really enjoy your blog! Keep up the good (frugal) work!

Patty said...

In four months you've almost made a month's income. Thats impressive. Hope it helps you get to your dreams faster. And I'm glad you enjoy the crazy comments. Haha

Treva said...

Emily, this is totally off topic, but I wanted to let you know I found a dollar tree in a nearby city (I live in the country) that has a small amount of frozen fruit (blueberries, peaches, and strawberries) and several vegetables. As long as there are no sales, this will be the best price for me. Just wanted to thanks for the tip. I have bought several shelf-stable items from the dollar store before but the frozen food section at the dollar store in my homestate did not have some of the items you mentioned. I'm glad for the tip as it encouraged me to check the dollar tree in my new state and I found some great deals.

nbjenni said...

Wow, amazing! How many SwagBuck referrals do you have? I have 99 right now.

Thank you for your help with BlogHer - I just started with them on Friday and love it!

Emily said...

Jennifer, I have 229 referrals. I find about half of the people who sign up actually go on to use it. I'm glad BlogHer is working for you, too. (:

Lori said...

I'm very jealous. To date, I think I've made $10 with my pizza blog. I really don't care about the money at all. It's just...oh, kind of a way to keep score, if you know what I mean. Like, I might never know how many people actually make my jalapeno popper pizza. But I can know how many people look at the page.
I'm also frightfully jealous of all of your comments. I agree, they are part of the fun, and someone on feeds is definitely missing out. I know you usually average more comments on one post than I have on all of mine together.
(BTW, I'm not talking about my penny blog, which I think I'm going to try in another way starting Jan. 1. Maybe I'll blog about that today. No, I'm talking about thepizzaprinciple.blogspot.com. I don't know if you've been there. I've got a few tex-mex-ish pizzas you might find interesting.)

vm said...

This is fantastic. Thank you for being so transparent about your earnings. It speaks volumes as to how compelling your subjects and writing are. Keep up the great work. I find it all fascinating!

Lindsay said...

Emily,

Have you thought to try Inbox Dollars, Send earnings, or You Data?

Inbox Dollars and Send Earnings allow you to read emails for about 2 cents per email (between the two of them, I recieve about five emails a day.) You can also do sruveys if you have time for 50 cents each. Once you reach $27.00 you can cash out. They charge you a $7.00 fee, but you only pay it if you cash out and they take it out of the total so you still get $20.00.

YouData allows you to look at ads for approx. 20 cents each. You just click and earn. This money is deposited directly into a PayPal account every Friday. In this case, you'll need a PayPal. On a good week, we get about an dollar extra. YouData is still relativly new, so they expect to allow one to earn more money in the future.

I'll email you my referall links, if you're interested. Just let me know! If you choose to sign up, they have banners you can post on the side bar of your blog (I have on mine!), so that your readers can sign up and earn you bonuses for referrals. I am by no means advertising for the sake of referrals, so I'd much rather your readers sign up in your name so you can reap the benefits.

Andrea said...

Wow - I'm impressed! I'm a lazy blogger, so I don't even make an attempt to make money at it. :-)

I agree that the comments section is a large part of your blog. I use a reader, but I usually come here to read the comments. You get a lot of trolling, but you also get some valuable information. I have found a couple of other blogs I really like through your comments section.

Rachel said...

Emily, that is great! Your fourth month earnings would not be more if you had to pay day care and go out to work! Probably less. I love it when people find alternatives to the boxed in 40 hr. a week work week. My 3 year old grandson asked my daughter yesterday if Mimi was at work. She told him, no, Mimi is a 'trifling fool", Not sure what that means, but I know it was said in love! I keep thinking of going back to work, but with sinus issues and fibromyalgia, I can hardly face it. You sure do accomplish a lot. I love the blog!

Amy@TheCircusMcGurkus.blogspot.com said...

Wow! I am really impressed with your earnings and your wide readership. I have been blogging for a while now and I'm not sure I have more than one reader! If you'd like to double my readership you can stop by thecircusmcgurkus.blogspot.com. I have done several blogs about being frugal but I am no where close to being as proficient as you.

Emily said...

Lori, I'm glad you're going to do more with the penny blog. I'm thinking I'll try the chicken enchilada pizza recipe you listed for a chicken night. That sounds good!

Lindsay, yes, do send those links. I think I've tried InboxDollars, but it's worth looking at again. (:

Anita Koller said...

I suppose I'm not trying hard enough, but I haven't made more then $10 off my stuff. I suppose if I put more effort into I could make money. However I think having a large readership is the key and I don't have that.

Molly said...

What happened with AdSense? I may have missed a post that explained it....

Diana @ frontyardfoodie said...

I love this blog! I think you were wise in spreading the word through commenting on other sites. I found you through Simple Dollar (which I also love).

It's awesome that you're making money! I'm so happy I can help! I subscribe but always click the link to comment or read your comments because they're really fun. hehe

Anonymous said...

Is that a running total, or did you make those amounts in each month?

Anonymous said...

Emily

What are the tax implications of earning money from your blog? I assume it is counted as income by the IRS.

Anonymous said...

I think this is great! Congratulations! I wish I had something as interesting to blog about. My life is rather mundane...lol.

-T

Emily said...

Molly, they shut down my account, but have paid me some of what I earned. Here's where I wrote about it.

http://under1000permonth.blogspot.com/2009/11/little-frustration.html

Anon, those are the amounts for each month, not a running total.

Anon, yes, it is taxable income.

The Pittsburgh Pair said...

You're making great money, Emily. I'm glad to see it. :) If you'd like to give me a kickback, I would accept it, as I am the one who first found your blog and put it on the Nest.com's Money Matters board. :) (Just joking about the kickback!)

We have very different viewpoints, but I am glad to see you making good money for yourself!

Anonymous said...

So you've made nearly $1000 and you've only put $200 towards savings? Did you really spend nearly $800 on your birthday and Christmas?

Emily said...

Pittsburgh Pair, thanks for the traffic, sort of...

Anon, I haven't seen a big chunk of Adsense money, most of my Amazon money, or any BlogHer money. All of the Adsense and Amazon money I got is in savings. Some swagbucks money has been spent on Christmas and birthday, but I have a lot of giftcards waiting in my account as well. So, yeah, the actual money I have gotten, just under $200, is the only amount that is in savings.

Kristi said...

I just found this site today and have to say I love it. Congrats on the income! That is a huge accomplishment and with determination you will be at your life dreams in no time at all.
Thanks for the time you are putting in.

Heather said...

very good! i haven't monetized my blog. i did try to get on on blogher and have been signed up on the waiting list, stalking for a couple months. you somehow got it though...i'm guessing you have a much bigger following than i do, hence them letting you in quicker. i have signed up of swagbucks, no referrals though...and i do have a little box on my blog. but i will say that i do a little squeal whenever i get a swagbuck through searching. though it's obvious that i'm missing something with earnings. i have a few other places that i can earn a commission through...just haven't taken it too seriously. again, laziness and the reality that i really am never going to have a big enough following. i have plenty to write about, but i'm not really down with the problems that come with it. but hey, if it works for you-great!

Anonymous said...

My reading comprehension must be low today, I forgot your article said you didn't receive all of the money yet. Would it bother you to break down the sources of the money? For instance you could put "Amazon $XX" and then discuss Amazon like you did in today's post. I think it'd be neat to have an idea of what outlets draw the best revenue and would be a useful tool to other bloggers. Also, I think other readers like me might enjoy it.

@Pittsburgh Pair - Lol! I found this blog through The Simple Dollar when she only had one or two posts about butter and fats or something like that, but I bet your post made the readership explode. I bet a lot people come here just to see what kind of weird stuff Emily might be posting about today, but hopefully some of them get some ideas or are inspired to make a few more frugal choices in their lives. I disagree with Emily on a number of issues (mostly that she doesn't receive government assistance - but whatever), but I do look forward to seeing what she posts about each day and the comments that it'll receive.

That reminds me though, Emily, I think posting so consistently helps to maintain readers. I dislike blogs that may have 5 posts one week and only 1 the next, it's nice to have some consistency.

Dustin | Engaged Marriage said...

Congratulations on your success! I'll have to check out BlogHer as well.

Ellie said...

Delurking to share some thoughts... Yes, it is so nice that you update every day, emily. I am actually quite impressed because it seems like it would be difficult to stick to it every single day.

Emily, our lives are different in many ways but it is so great to see your perspective on frugality. It has definitely influenced the way that I spend my money and how much I spend on gifts. I love it!

As far as the dissenting opinions that tend to pop up in the comments section, I have some unsolicited advice for both sides. To some of the readers who sometimes leave hateful comments: If you are truly interested in the well-being of the children, maybe leaving hateful and insulting comments about emily and her family isn't the best way to get your point across. Maybe you have tried other methods and I am just unaware. But it seems that Emily might be more open to suggestion if she didn't have to question your motives. And to Emily: I have seen the occasional constructive criticism but it often seems as if you lump these into the same category as the hateful comments. I know that it is hard not to get defensive when you are being attacked and gossiped about, but you would benefit so much by trying to find the positive, helpful advice that is mixed in with the more aggressive comments.

Also, I was wondering about your family's long-term goals, most specifically your monetary goals. If you have blogged about the previously, please point me in that direction. I don't think I've read through all of your archives yet.

Final note, keep up the good work. I think it is so neat that your blog is benefitting your family while it also benefits readers who are seeking a simpler life.

-E.

Emily said...

Ellie, thanks for delurking. Our financial goals involve homeownership and self-sufficency. We're thinking of gutting and rebuilding an old trailer and having a small homestead. My husband wants to be a pastor in an area that doesn't pay well, and we would like for him to not have to have a second job, so homesteading seems like the way to go.

Anonymous said...

How much are you thinking of charging for ad space (for a small WAHM type biz?)

Emily said...

Anon, if you're interested, you can email me with an offer. (:

Jena Webber said...

Great job, sweetie. You are taking this to a whole new level. amazing. I'm impressed at how fast everything works for you. You aren't afraid to put yourself out there and be controversial. I think it helps the traffic. Just hope you don't get an ulcer in the meantime. LOL.

daphne16 said...

It is great that you have made money blogging. I have a blog and make nothing, but mine is a craft blog trying to use what I have in my stash and just to motivate me so it is working.
http://daphne-creativemom.blogspot.com/2009/12/davids-tomten-jacket.html if you are interested in looking
I also do swagbucks, it is great.
I really enjoy your blog.
Thanks

Unknown said...

OK Emily, you've inspired me to start a blog of my own. Not so much for the income, but won't turn it down, but for the fact that there is so much I can share with others that can help their daily lives. I like some of your frugality, but have a whole different situation that makes me have to be more creative in saving money. My friends are always interested in how I do run our lives in our situation as well. Hope you continue this blog for a long time to come. I enjoy reading it and hope you'll forgive me if I steal an idea or two from your posts. Thanks again for the inspiration.
Beth http://rntravelingfamily.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

https://publish.associatedcontent.com/signup.shtml

Have you tried this site.

Unknown said...

Swagbucks crashed my computer like crazy - it was horrible! I kept trying to uninstall it but it wouldn't let me - ended up having to reimage my computer. If you haven't already installed it, don't do it!

tndragonlady said...

can you send me an email or some advice on getting my blog out there..I just started it and have no clue what I am doing...and I totally love the honesty in your posts.

BEAN said...

the same thing happen to be with adsence any tips on how to get more info of why or how to get my earnings. they havenot replied to my email.

Emily said...

dragonlady, Mostly, I commented on blogs with about similar topics. After that, my blog spread by word of mouth. I signed up for various blog catalogs. They are all on my sidebar.

Bean, I too emailed them when my account went down and they emailed me back saying they weren't going to re-open my acount. I've since gotten some of the money they owed me, but not all of it. I never got an explanation as to why, so I can't help you there.

BEAN said...

yea thanks.. I emailed them but never heard anything from him...

BEAN said...

oh and any other thoughs on how i can gain income from my blog other then google?

Emily said...

Bean, I rave about swagbucks whenever the opportunity presents itself and usually get a few new referrals from each mention. Right now I'm doing well with BlogHer, but they are hard to get into. Also, throwing Amazon referral links into my posts adds up.

My money making is a little more restricted since I don't try to sell stuff on a frugal living blog, but you can try affiliate sales like with commission junction. You can get free stuff by offering to do a review. Contact a company, tell them how many readers you have, roughly, and tell them you would be willing to review their product in exchange for a sample. I've had some luck with this. Check out problogger.net. He has some excellent info on making money blogging in general.

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