As promised, here is the last installment of the Savvyblogging Twitter Party. If you want to catch up, here's Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Question 15: What are your favorite affiliate networks?
Yowza. If you want to know how bloggers are making money online, this is an outstanding place to start (though it's by no means exhaustive).
If you aren't sure what an affiliate network is…
In a nutshell, being part of an affiliate network means you sign up with a company that manages and supplies ads for you. They, of course, keep some of the profit and send the rest on to you. This is different than private ads (see Question 13) which you manage and supply yourself…but keep all profit.
(By the way, not every link in this list would be categorized as an affiliate network. In addition to affiliate networks, people shared several ways to make money blogging.)
- Amazon (And if you use Blogger, check out this new tool to make it easy!)
- Google Affiliate Network
- Escalate Media
- Swagbucks.com – I am having a blast with Swag Bucks.
- Viglink
- ShareASale
- Cellfire
- Shop-at-Home
- Mom Central
- MomSelect
- Commission Junction
- Logical Media
- Coupons.com/Brandcaster
- JuiceBoxJungle
- MySavings Media
- Panthera Network
- LinkShare
- SmartSource (If you know who to contact or where to find info about their affiliate program, please leave it in the comments!)
- RedPlum (Affiliate inquiries: affiliates@redplum.com)
- Buy.com
- SocialSpark
- BlogFrog
- Ebates
- Alice.com
- Grocery University
Question 16: What are you worth as a blogger?
Here are some answers:
- Determine how much you want to make an hour. Shoot for that.
- "Don't sell yourself short as a blogger. You are worth more than a free sample" (@HappyHousewife)
- "It's hard to know since this is such a new industry." (@MommySnacks).
- "The only people that get my time for free are my children!"(@christynichols1)
- "My time is my value and I must get paid for it." (@ProverbsWife)
My take: First, don't confuse your worth as a person with your worth as a blogger. Those are two vastly different things! We've all compared ourselves to other bloggers and walked away feeling like complete losers. (Well, at least I have.) If my perception of my value as a person is tainted by my perception of my value as a blogger, something is wrong. You're awesome — I don't care how big or small your blog is!
OK.
As a blogger, I say, just decide. That's right. Just decide how valuable you are as a blogger and then act like it. My point is, don't let someone else determine your worth for you. Be proactive. Be smart. Be strategic. Take the reigns.
For example, any blogger who has been contacted by a well-known company with a pitch, can probably tell you all the details of that first email. After reading the pitch, here's what various bloggers do:
- The flattered blogger says "Wow, I can't believe such-and-such company is interested in little ole me! That company is so big and well-known, of course I'll accept their pitch!"
- The swayed blogger says "Wow, I can't believe such-and-such company is interested in little ole me! This pitch isn't really in line with my long-term goals…but man, to be aligned with such a huge company…maybe I'll tweak my goals a bit."
- The smart blogger says, "I like the company, but the pitch is not in my best interest and it certainly doesn't fit with my long-term goals. I have two options: Come up with a counter pitch that is in line with my goals, or just simply say no."
The bottom line? Sometimes we resist placing a high value on our blogging selves because we are fearful of the risk. But if you think about it, all three responses are risky — the flattered & swayed bloggers risk being taken advantage of and the smart blogger risks passing up a great opportunity. However, only the smart blogger stays true to himself/herself. And in my opinion, even if he/she passes up the best deal in the world, they still win because they did so on their terms.
Now, it goes without saying, others might not place the same value on you as a blogger as you place on yourself, but if you put a high value on yourself, make a conscious choice and take definitive steps to reach that goal. Depending on how high you set the bar, it might take you a while to get there and it'll certainly take work, but after all, what's that famous quote? "If you reach for the stars, you might not get one…but you won't get a handful of mud either."
Question 17: What is the best way to track blogging income and expenses?
These are how others are keeping track:
- A basic spreadsheet in Excel or Google Docs.
- Quicken
- QuickBooks Online
- Outright
- PayPal
- Pencil, paper & a simple notebook
- Checking/Bank Account
My take: By far my favorite software for tracking expenses is Budget for Mac or Windows. Not only do I use it for business, but we also use it for personal use. It's a computerized envelope system. (I wrote about keeping track of our money in How to Keep Track of Your Money.)
Question 18: How do you balance blogging and real life?
Ah, the age-old question! Here are suggestions from others:
- Keep a time schedule.
- Determine to always put family first.
- Schedule posts.
- Blog while kids are sleeping or away.
- LeechBlock or parental controls.
- Use a timer.
My take: Well, for this question, all I'm gonna say is that I have something in the pipeline that I'm pretty sure you'll find helpful, so stay tuned! 
Question 19: Are you tracking your hourly blogging wage?
It appeared some people do this, but it's pretty individual-specific.
My take: See Question 16 above.
Question 20: What are some of your blogging goals for 2010?
Some answers from others:
- Better balance.
- Make money or increase income.
- Learn new things related to blogging and how to run a blog.
My take: My goal? Grow — not so much as a blogger (although that's a bonus) but as a person who lives in such a way that brings glory not to myself but to the One who deserves it all: Christ.
The primary reason I'm blogging is to contribute to a special savings account we've earmarked for missions — either for us to serve as missionaries ourselves or to support other missionaries/organization doing the stuff. We would love to move to Africa sometime in the next 2-5 years but don't have any indication at this point if that might be God's plan for us. But in case it is, we are throwing the vast majority of money I make blogging into that account so if and when the call comes, we can just go.
Having said that, some of my ideas for blogging in 2010 are:
- Ramp up my blog consulting business.
- Figure out a way to realistically and effectively combine all 3 of my blogs.
- Network more.
- Continue my quest to rid myself of the habits frustrations sins which are perfectionism and the fear of what other people think — for many reasons, but as a blogger, to increase my productivity.
- Tweak and solidify my time-management system and share it with others.
Disclosure: This page contains some affiliate links.
Hi, Amy.
Thanks for the series. I've enjoyed it.
I have a really broad-stroke question that requires a nit-picky answer.
I would LOVE to know some specifics as to how much these bloggers are actually making on their blogs? I really don't mean to be nosy, but I am at a cross-roads of sorts with my blog. I can put in a TON of time, energy, and focus (and I WANT TO), but is it really worth it? I mean, should I keep my blog as mainly hobby and get a part-time job at Starbucks to help out with the bills?
So far, I've made only $4 on Amazon. I've made $0 on any other affiliate links/networks. I have no private ads. I have received some doo-dads here and there of products for "compensation" and/or review. My Swagbucks account is just now creeping up high enough to cash out for my first Amazon gift card.
Is it realistic to expect xx hours/week=xx amount of money (assuming content is solid, etc.)? I mean, can I make $200 a month? $500 a month? $3000 a month?
To further compound my anxiety, I'm on many of the "prof. blogger" email lists and I'm bombarded with free e-books about "Make Six Figures Online" and such. While I don't think their content is all smoke and mirrors, I have to wonder, if it's the exception?
I guess my question would be–are the "average mommy bloggers" who blog and network about 2-4 hours/day making a decent part-time wage ($500-$1000/month)? And if so, how long did it take to get to that point?
I know there's no magic formula, but I'd love a little guidance before I turn in my Starbucks application.
Are you going to Savvy Blogging Summit? I am. I hope to find more clarity on this issue and meet you there!
Thanks again for the posts and the guidance.
Hi Mary – I don't mind sharing my #'s. I started in Oct 2008. In November an aquaintance joined me (we are now BFFs of course!). We started the blog for fun, never intending to make money from it. By January we started debating whether or not we should put affiliate ads up. We started in February and our first month with coupons.com we got $35. At this point we were getting less than 1000 visits a day. Fast forward to a year later (Feb 2010). At this point we have three others writing for us. I personally put 30 hours a week in, as does my partner. The other three girls put about 10 hours a week in. February we brought in about $2500. And by then we were getting 4000-5000 hits a day.
Is it worth my time? Still make less then min wage with the amount of time I put into it.
Do I love it? Yes! The way I help people is VERY rewarding!
Is there potenial for greater income? I think so… at this point, it is a matter of continuing to grow my reader base.
If I would have known all of this before I started would I have done it? That is debateable!
FYI – We use about 8 affiliate programs (Amazon, eBay, CJ, Logical Media, and My Savings Media, RedPlum and Coupons.com and Smartsource.com). We also teach classes locally, and have some private advertising that we do. We post anywhere from 5-10 times a day and it is a demanding and competitive nich. (ie: scheduling posts a week ahead is not possible. The info we get usually needs to be posted right away).
You may not completely relate since you aren't a coupon/deal blog, but it may help?
Mary, great question!
Cathy, thanks for your transparency!
I'm working on a post for tomorrow that deals with your question, Mary. I will not only share my own numbers, but will ask others to share their as well (they may do so anonymously if they'd like).
I hope a lot of people will jump in and respond, not for competition's sake, but to help each other out!
Cathy, thank you so much! That does help indeed. At least it gives me a starting point of context.
Amy, I can't wait for the post. THANK YOU!
Oh oh oh!! I've got the hard to find Smart Source info!
Contact: Danielle DePotter email: DDePotter at newsamerica dot com
Yes, that's it! Thank you.
Newbie question. If I start with WordPress.com just to see if I can build a readership and will stay committed to my blog is it hard to switch to wordpress.org?
What would you recommend? I just don't know if I can handle my full time job and the blog even though I keep wanting to start one. My hesitation has been that I want to get it set up right the first time, but didn't know how.
Thanks!
Hi Amy,
If you can spare about $8-$10 a month, I'd highly recommend you go with a self-hosted WordPress.org blog from the start. You can transfer over a WordPress.com blog, but if $8-$10 a month is doable, it'd be great to save yourself the hassle.
Check the Step-by-Step to see how to do it.
I've experimented with different income streams on my blog and I also earn money as a freelance writer. My newest client hired me to blog for his business! I'm hoping to work on a FB page for him, too. Between my blog and my writing, last month I earned over $1,300, which was a decent month for me. This is all from working part time at home AND doing what I love. My goal is to one day replace my FT income….I've got quite a ways to go though…but I'm on the right track.
I have a few ideas for additional income streams too. I think there is value in experimenting. If something's not working, drop it. Try something else. Oh, and traffic matters. A LOT.
It's important to realize that it will take a LOT of hard work. I always tell folks that I worked for 8 months on my blog before receiving a single check! You have to make sure you are committed and passionate about what you're blogging about. Focus first on quality content and bringing in traffic. And if you NEED the money…like NOW? Don't start a blog. Get a day job.
Thanks Angela! I completely agree with you about experimenting…and that it takes a lot of hard work. So true.
Hi Amy, Thanks for all the tips!
Aussie and New Zealand bloggers might be interested to try Fishpond as an affiliate. They are another online bookstore. http://www.fishpond.com.au
I've also checked out Nuffnang which is an Asian based ad provider. http://www.nuffnang.com.au
Can't report too many earnings yet, but worth a try.
Thanks for the resources, Crafty Mummy!
I have a different contact for the SmartSource coupon printing. It's BKOEHLER@newsamerica.com. Betsey was so QUICK to reply to my email and get everything set up for me. I know how long I searched for that information, so I hope that helps!
Awesome. Thanks Jennifer!
Thanks Amy! So I have a question, how do you really make affiliates work for you if you're not a couponing/frugal living/deals type of blog?
When I make very little with my Amazon affiliate links, and I'm not sure how to use other affiliates……..for example, just last week I did a post on Father's Day ideas for Dad's who like to grill……..all with Amazon affiliate links to all the suggestions—-I did not make one single penny off that post. (I average 1,500-2,000 visitors a day) I do make a little when I throw a link in the middle of a post. So my question is, how should a blog like mine use affiliate links effectively?….
My main affiliate income comes from hosting. Of course, this blog is suited for that — just another example that you really do have to think about your own blog and what might work for you.
Very bummed to see this on Amazon's Affiliate programs site! "Note: Residents of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, North Carolina or Rhode Island are not eligible to participate in the Associates program."
I thought that would be a natural first place to go since I have so many amazon links already within my posts, esp when I review books. Bummer. On to the next one…
I know, I'm sorry. Definitely check out other options—there are lots of possiblities!