monetize your blog

Let’s start with a big assumption. You’re
writing your blog to make money, to earn a living, not to share fun stories
about what’s going on with your family or what you’re up to with your favorite
hobby or activity. If you’re putting in the work, doing the research, and
growing the audience, chances are you’d like to get paid for your hard work.
And for that to happen, you have to monetize your blog posts. Let’s look at
three different ways to do just that.

Make
Product Recommendations Directly On Your Blog

One of the easiest things to get started
with is to make recommendations directly in your blog posts. These can be your
own products or something you’re an affiliate for. If you want something really
simple to try, sign up for the Amazon affiliate program and as you blog about
things, work in a product here or there.

For example, if you’re in the parenting
niche and are working on a blog post about a fun park in your area that you
went to, you could mention the stroller you used and how well it did or didn’t
perform in the park. Or if you’re a photographer who also blogs, share your
latest pictures and mention what camera, filter, flash etc. you used for each
picture along with links to those products.

Work
With Brands

Working with brands is another great
option. Make connections via social media or use one of the large networks that
connect bloggers and brands. They will often pay you to write a blog post that
mentions one of their products. Don’t be surprised to work for free products or
low pay in the beginning. That’s ok.

It takes time to build a relationship and
show the marketing person you’re working with that you have the reach and the
chops to influence a large group of people. And of course as your audience
grows, you can expect to get paid better to be a brand ambassador.

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Grow
Your List and Make Offers Via Email

The most effective way to make money from
your blog is to focus on getting your blog readers on your email list first.
This gives you a chance to build a stronger relationship with your audience,
get them back to your blog and of course make offers to them directly in your
emails.

Keep your email messages entertaining and
helpful with some recommendations thrown in, and you’ll do well. Keep growing
your list as your blog grows and your income will follow right along.

Of course this is by no means an all-inclusive
list. There are quite a few other ways to monetize your blog, but these are
three relatively simple concepts you can start with.

By the way, if you are interested in learning more about BLOGGING for your direct sales business, check out this post, then start our 7 Days to Launch FREE blogging course!