Blog Business

It should come as no surprise to anyone that running a blog costs money. I use Blogger, which is free, but my domain costs money. It takes money to buy supplies for the crafts and projects, time to take and edit photos and then write the post. It also takes time to work on the design and keep up with emails and comments.

I love being able to share my ideas and inspiration with all my readers. But, the reality of it is that it takes time away from my family. The only way I can justify all the time spent is if I am at least making a little bit of money from it. I am not making big bucks at all. I am talking under $100 a month at this point, but every little bit helps. I am hoping as my blog grows, so will the income and my ability to bring you even greater projects!

I thought I would share with you how I make money on my blog. I want to be honest and upfront with my readers as you are clicking through my site. Also, if I can help another blogger out there who is trying to make some money from their blog, that is great, too. This information is personal, but I think it is important for me to share it with you at this time.

1) Ad Networks

I currently have ad networks on my website through Izea Media and Google Adsense. The large rectangular ad at the top of my page is Izea and the large ad in my sidebar under 'Sponsors' is Google Adsense. I know a lot of bigger bloggers can generate quite a bit of money through these networks, but right now I am only making a few dollars a month from these. I earn money by people viewing my blog (the actual blog, not through a reader). Also, I earn a little more if my readers actually click on the ad.

2) Sponsored Posts

These I get through Social Spark , Clever Girls Collective, Blueprint Social and sometimes when I get contacted directly by a company. These posts can earn me money for writing the post or sometimes I am compensated with free product to review. Here are some sample sponsored posts: Online Learning Games for Kids, Tie Dyed Cricut Cover, and Eclos Beauty.

You will always know when I am writing a sponsored post because I will tell you in the post. I turn down about 95% of the sponsored posts I am offered. They are just not a good fit for me or my readers. I only take offers for products I am interested in and that I would use myself even if it was not sponsored. And I always give my honest opinion. I don't write what I think the advertisers want to hear. That wouldn't be fair.

3) Affiliate Networks

Affiliate networks work by earning me a commission for any sales I make through my affiliate link. If you don't want to use my affiliate links you can always go directly to the website to order. So far, these have not generated me much income, but I stand behind all the companies I am an affiliate for and use the products myself! (To be honest, most of the commissions I have made have been from stuff I have bought myself!) You can see all my affiliate links in my sidebar under 'Sponsors'.

I am currently an affiliate with Share the Memories. This is how I can offer you the great Friday Freebies from My Memories. If you are a blogger and are interested in becoming an affiliate, you can email me and I can get you the info. If you want to purchase the software, click the link on my sidebar and use the code STMMMS30543 to receive $10 off the software and a $10 credit for the store.

I am also an affiliate for Pick Your Plum and Mindy Mae's Market. These are online sites that sell crafty type supplies at really great prices. If you have not checked out these sites you should totally do it. I order stuff regularly from both sites!

I also recently became an affiliate for Shabby Apple. They have adorable dresses and clothes!

4) My Etsy Shop

My Etsy Shop, Laura Silva Designs, also makes me a little money. I have been busy redesigning my shop and hope to have some more products listed soon. Once I get it all squared away, I plan on offering my readers a special discount, so be on the look out for that. Until then, head on over to check it out and let me know what you think! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Labels: general