My Take On Monetizing
After writing my first post for ComLuv about making money recycling electronics, it occurred to me that disclosing how I make money monetizing myself using other methods might be of interest to others. It’s nothing “new,” but sometimes when you read about something that works, from another person’s viewpoint, it clicks and presto! you’re making money.
Many people discuss, at great length, monetizing their blogs. They list all the usual suspects from Adsense to Kontera to Pulse360 and more. What I find a tad unusual is the obvious solution of writing for other places. ComLuv is one, but most of the ad resource money goes directly to the owner (as it should be). There also are many other advantages to encourage your activity at ComLuv like referring other individuals, and earning credits in other ways (commenting on posts is one hint, hint), but in terms of larger payouts, bloggers are often in search of additional ways to monetize themselves.
Monetizing Your Blog By Concentrating On Yourself
A quick search of Google (as an example) on ways to get paid to blog provides a seemingly endless stream of possibilities. However, due diligence is required before you commit the one thing you have control over… your own time. The hard part is learning how to place the correct dollar amount on your time. Luckily, some services help you out when it comes to starting your first paying gigs online (they give you suggested recommendations on how much to charge).
My choice, in terms of monetizing my writing (and trust me I’ve heard the good and the bad) was to choose to participate with the Izea services. Izea has numerous choices when it comes to monetizing yourself. And while passive income from blogging is the dream of many, it just makes a lot of sense to get off your duff and write. Monetizing yourself, as the writer, places you in control versus praying someone will click on something while they visit your blog or web site.
Start Monetizing Slowly Or Jump Right In
For new blogs, or blogs with lower traffic stats, Izea’s PayPerPost is a good place to begin. Depending on a sliding scale of factors like traffic and PR, you may be able to start off by writing short pieces for advertisers. Heads up, I do not see many high paying writing jobs. Overall, PayPerPost appears to be the place advertisers on really limited budgets go when they want bloggers to write about their web sites, programs, products, or services.
However, Izea also has their very popular SocialSpark. This is my favorite. Email “leads” arrive and you click the link in the email and log in. You can “read more” and even negotiate the price with the advertise. At first I was a bit hesitant, but I actually now enjoy using their Version 2 system. You need to tweak a few settings in your WordPress admin area, but it’s not rocket science (and they give you full instructions).
Another benefit is you get more time to write (typically 2-5 days) and you write your post directly inside your SocialSpark account, preview it, and submit it for review. Once approved, it is automatically posted to your blog. My suggestion, once it is live, is to remember to log into your WordPress admin area and add your tags and categories and update the post. This is more for your blog’s benefit in terms of monetizing, but the advertiser appreciates it, too. (It’s just one thing that the new SocialSpark Version 2 doesn’t do automatically.)
Like Making Money Quickly? Here’s A Way To Speed Up Monetizing Your Work
Another quick way, and I do mean speedy, is to check out their SponsoredTweets. Again, you log into your own account with them (the link comes in an email), write your Tweet using guidelines always provided (no matter which service you are writing for), and put your Tweet into the queue. It takes all of a few seconds to do this, and yes you may be asked to retweet it (changing it up slightly each time) up to 2 or 3 times. Since it takes seconds to do, the money adds up quickly. Monetizing yourself via your Twitter account is based on factors that Izea keeps track of for you, with a suggestion tool for pricing your Tweets. The higher your Twitter followers (and overall Tweet factors), the more an advertiser is willing to pay. I’ve seen outrageous amounts (astronomical amounts!) paid to well-established Twitter accounts for that single Tweet. Even those that have just a smattering (like mine at the moment) make close to $1 for a few minutes of your time (that includes just logging in).
In Your Monetizing Quest, Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle
Personally, handling too many writing tasks – like trying to get material up here at ComLuv on a fairly regular basis, plus my own online properties (both websites and blogs), along with writing paid posts – demands that you be selective. There are only so many hours in the day, and you want to make sure you also have a life. I realize this is just a drop in the bucket for those looking to get paid to blog. However, the one thing I do know is Izea pays out. You must reach their $50 payout point, but active participation makes that happen fairly quickly. Just be kind to yourself. Don’t overwork your brain cells and fingertips for an advertiser (or service) that doesn’t pony up with the money for your efforts. My money arrives, upon my request, like clockwork.
There are so many benefits to writing online when it comes to monetizing yourself. You attract attention by writing about what people are interested in and make money at the same time. What’s not to love when it comes to that perfect combination? Yes, monetizing yourself means putting forth more than a bit of effort, but it’s worth every penny!
EasyAzon Plugin
Twitter: darrenmonroe
says:
WOW interesting ideas a few good ones in there. But a few things. I am totally against sponsored tweets. I think it really hurts your brand have refused to tweet unless it is something I use or recommend directly vs looking like i am trying to get a quick buck off of a tweet. Thats just me.
As for the transition I would say keep it to what you do have a talent in and then find an audience that needs a solution.
Darren Monroe recently posted..Why Idiots Outsell Einstein and You Can Too
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Darren! I can understand your reservations about the tweets thing especially if you’ve really got an interactive group. Mine seem to just do their own thing LOL even when I respond to them or ask them a question. So for me it doesn’t hurt. I’m also not a huge hang out in Twitter person (maybe that’s my problem!). With thoughts streaming endlessly who would get any real work done?
As for your thoughts on writing for an audience, you are right of course. If you select the proper place to write (say as in my example SocialSpark which I don’t get any residual income from by talking about them), part of the setup includes choosing either one or a few categories (it’s been a while). There a person can determine what they want offers (potential money makers) to be – where they come from.
Also, if you do get a lead that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be chosen. You log in and read about what the advertiser wants. You have the option to accept or negotiate a better price or refuse.
So definitely to keep one’s blog specific be sure to choose appropriate categories to get offers from… I think, too, every few months you can change your category/categories, but you cannot do it often. So think wisely as a person sets up their account
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
Twitter: JeedoAquino
says:
Great tips you have here. If I might add, there are a couple of bloggers I notice who don’t monetize their site right away because it’s still “new”. Even if it still new, any blog should be optimized for monetization right from the start.
The good thing when doing this is that the blogger will know what monetization system works best for his particular niche. Eventually, given that the results are tracked and tested, there will be one or two monetization models that will come out on top, the other that doesn’t work will be dropped off eventually.
Jeedo Aquino recently posted..Before You Even Think About Venturing Online
Twitter: oims
says:
Hello Jeedo! Yes it sort of boggles my mind when I get to a blog that has nothing on it (unless of course that is their intention – more journal and the “I don’t care I just want to write” approach).
I’d love more feedback (and look forward to more comments) because as far as my brain thinks for monetizing yourself or your blog it comes down to get paid to write, a niche-producing variety of visitors willing to click on those ads, and/or selling something of your own or another person’s product.
And, your statement “given that the results are tracked and tested” ah! Isn’t that the key! Everyone claims they want to know, very few actually do it to find out. If you’re not tracking how will you know?
Me… I really get going when I write (can you tell LOL!) so that’s my mainstay. I wish a person could put a big arrow pointing “click one of these now please!” but it’s against the TOS of just about all ad services out there
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
Twitter: iroko247
says:
This is about monetizing by writing, it is like killing two birds with one stone, you make content available and you also get paid…
But I have heard that it is like you are giving authority to another website, which the big G does not like, what this means is that it might affect your ranking if you are PR freak…or is my information wrong…I actually make money from payperpost myself but it is on a blog that I do care what G thinks!
Iroko recently posted..I am In Need
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Iroko! Strangely enough I thought the always sought after, not all that important (in my book) PR would be affected on the blog I use for publishing information for others. The opposite was true.
I’ve also seen immensely high PR and alexa blogs that definitely are getting paid to post and it obviously hasn’t affected them.
No one knows the magic formula used for PR, but I would say (again my opinion) that traffic rates higher in my book then PR. Arguments for and against the PR rule have raged forever on the net. It appears to me that it counts for less and less (people don’t pay attention to it as much). Also the average visitor does not have marketing on their mind when they arrive assuming you are giving them what they were looking for – either information that’s really useful or the program or service they were looking for…
When I write for others (and myself) I totally over deliver. Evidenced by my replies to comments LOL!
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
Twitter: iroko247
says:
Traffic is more important than PR but considering reviewme and some other high paying blog for cash website that only want to do business with blog with high PR, what is take on this?
And of course you’re truly providing quality content and you are gaining by it…and your replies is looking like a post in its self!
Twitter: oims
says:
You are right. There are still places out there that place a premium on PR even if the site itself has a traffic rank of 22 million (I’ve seen tons of these).
For PayPerPost, when they were first starting up, I wrote to the owner(s) and asked that they help the advertiser see that PR is not the be all and end all. That using sites that actually get traffic is (duh) more beneficial. I know at the time, they did update their explanation to advertisers (not sure if it’s still there or not).
When I read their “let us help you decide” explanation I must confess I was not as impressed as I’d hoped to be – sort of a feeble job attempting to shed light on PR versus traffic (in my view).
So… until PR disappears completely (and they keep saying it will but that’s been going on for years now) again you are right.
I have a long(er) story I could tell, but I won’t about PR (left a bad taste in my mouth, but I’m not low enough to retaliate). When I pick and choose my own places to post my own ads, I take traffic over PR any day!
LOL about the post comment – I just can’t help myself!
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
This is good info that I know I can use. Thanks for sharing useful info.
Unfortunately, I am pretty sure that sponsored tweets would not work for me on my main twitter account, but I definitely have my wheels turning now. You made some very good points here.
Thanks!
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Donna! Agreed. SponsoredTweets are not for everyone. However, for those with a Twitter account, and still struggling to prove they can make any money online, this could be the program that gives them that sense of “Yes I Can!”
TY for commenting!
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
I think when it comes down to it monitizing takes a way a lot of the fun, but its a necessity.
Twitter: oims
says:
Well it would only be a necessity if your goal is to make money in various ways online. If not, and you just want to stream thoughts and post for fun, monetizing would not apply.
Some want to; others don’t. Freedom of choice
oimdiane recently posted..Internet IP Addresses Will World IPv6 Day Keep You Connected
Twitter: LumpkinAndMe
says:
I also use Social Spark. I’m new at it, so I am wondering how long it took you to start getting enough offers that you felt comfortable in raising your asking price?
Devonay recently posted..A Very Special Award
Twitter: shivachettri
says:
Article writing can certainly be a great way of monetizing yourself. I have signed up with Payperpost but I have not been able to get enough offers from advertisers, I wonder what I did wrong. It is the same case with Sponsored Tweets, previously I used to get advertisers every now and then but nowadays I get no offer from them.
Shiva recently posted..Getting and Tracking Leads through Social Networking
Twitter: oims
says:
I’m with you on the PayPerPost. Used to get offers quite often. You know I meant to also mention Blogvertise – very cool and once your post is up they pay you. No accumulating a minimum amount. I like that.
I also think, like everything else, that the net goes in cycles. Right after the holidays people were once again interested (too much food and good times? LOL!). Now there is that lull time. You wait though, things will pick up again
oimdiane recently posted..Honestly Do You Really Need The SEOPressor Plugin
good post!
I am actually looking into the retweeting portion as a way to make some extra money – however one thing I want to point out is that i thought that referral links were not allowed in guest posts – and I think you have one for the sponsored tweets
zoopco recently posted..Mike- Elliot & Rick All Have CO Domains – Do You
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Zoopco, first my apologies about the url. I have corrected it and trust me it was not intention, just the url I had on hand (and somehow it passed the post inspection).
In an odd way though, it was my internal link I’m technically allow to a site of “mine” since it was “my” sponsored tweet, but I get your point and am not nitpicking
You’re not going to get rich unless you do have a large following on Twitter. However, it builds up fairly steadily. Do watch for emails from them (elect to have them notify you) since there are rules and regs you have to follow (as with any program.
You don’t show your Twitter so I cannot go out and see it for myself – you might want to add it to your profile?
Again, ty for pointing out something I did not realize I “had done wrong by”
oimdiane recently posted..Internet IP Addresses Will World IPv6 Day Keep You Connected
Hi,
That was a very interesting read. I’m fairly new to the blogging world. Most of my ‘monetizing’ online so far has come from trading shares online.
This has definitely given me a new perspective.
Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!
Tiaan Nieuwenhuizen recently posted..How To Earn Extra Cashflow Online
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Tiaan, glad to see you’ve found something that must be working for you. And yes, rounding out one’s portfolio (so to speak) online when it comes to monetizing yourself is always a smart move. You are most welcome
oimdiane recently posted..Internet IP Addresses Will World IPv6 Day Keep You Connected
Twitter: healthvotes
says:
I like to monetize my blogs through contextual ads, like adsense, infolinks, kontera, chitika etc. It is the easiest way on an established blog. However, when the blog is new, taking up such paid writing jobs can be helpful. Though it does kills the readership up to some extent, but one should be able to pay their bills.
I will give the sponsored tweets a try.
Uttoran Sen recently posted..Avoid Multiple Sclerosis with Sunlight and Vitamin D
Twitter: oims
says:
Hey Uttoran, well I think it comes down to whether or not you have a true set of followers or not, because I’ve seen plenty of high ranking blogs out there put out the occasional paid post without it hurting their rankings.
Of course the logical thing to do would be to stick close to, or complimentary with, the basic premise of your blog. Ideally you’d end up with an easy way to write a post (all guidelines are given). Also for anyone wondering, the links inside the post are nofollow for the most part.
I’m headed off to your Twitter to see what you’re up to… I wish I had the time to hang out more, but find it difficult. Technology wise, and since I basically never leave the house LOL, texting up on the spur of the moment stuff doesn’t happen in my account.
oimdiane recently posted..Internet IP Addresses Will World IPv6 Day Keep You Connected
Twitter: junevaa
says:
good idea, but focus in one methode is another good option for me,, too many idea will become useless and get nothing at all
macist recently posted..Michael Russell vs Juan Martin del Potro Free Live Streaming in 2011 ATP Memphis
Twitter: oims
says:
Hey Macist, you are right.
However, too often people focus on the wrong thing for too long and, after never making much or anything at all, give it up as a lost cause.
This way your own will power has a large determining factor in your success. Not the whim and fancy of a visitor who may (or most likely may not) click an ad to get you a penny or even a dollar.
I like my cash in larger chunks (and I’m sort of a control freak to boot) LOL!
oimdiane recently posted..Internet IP Addresses Will World IPv6 Day Keep You Connected
Twitter: toshibaburton
says:
Thanks for sharing your input I will go over & ck these sites out.
Toshiba Burton recently posted..How To Master The Skill Of Turning Leads Into Hot Prospects
Twitter: oims
says:
Hi Toshiba, you are most welcome. Since writing this I’ve pulled much more than the minimum out of SS so an easy pay day for me.
oimdiane recently posted..Changing the Face of Textbooks for Teachers and Students
Twitter: rdgubaten
says:
Great tips you have here in your site. This helps. Thanks for the share.
rdgubaten recently posted..Have a time to check this out
Twitter: oims
says:
You are most welcome
oimdiane recently posted..Even Internet Marketers Need to Eat Would You Turn Down Good Food For Free
I was thinking to read the reviews of izea however i recently applied and got rejected but i will reapply as per their requirement.but what about when their are so many publishers in izea network ?
endlasuresh recently posted..latest nvidia graphic card
Twitter: WebTrafficCafe
says:
Of course, considering how poorly sponsored tweets have been doing lately, it’s probably not the best way to squander any authority you might have among your followers.
Ana
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe recently posted..Google Plus Social Network: Is It Worth its Salt and Your Time?