How Do Bloggers Make Money? My Answer in 3's

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of TapInfluence. The opinions and text are all mine. For more information, see my disclosure policy.

Everyone always seems shocked when they hear I make a full-time income blogging.

Eyes look puzzled. Jaws drop. And often, quite frankly, people question,

“But, HOW?”

I usually stumble through an over-simplified sentence or two about ads on my site and sponsorship from brands. But I thought it was about time to share more details for those who are curious.

So… How Do Bloggers Make Money Anyway?

Let me answer that in 3’s. Before you can start on the adventure of monetizing your blog and making money from it, you have to have a few things in place…

3 Must-Haves for Making Money Blogging

1. A Blog

Ummm… In order to make money with a blog, you need to set one up! Here is an easy way to start a blog if you don’t already have one.

2. Killer Content

But before you sit down to write anything on your blog, put some thought into what niche you want your blog to cover. Who is your ideal blog reader? What problem do you want to solve for them? Find something that you can be a resource on and are passionate about, and then start creating excellent content.

Initially, in order to make money with your site, you will need an audience (traffic to your blog). Creating an invaluable resource is the first step in having a site that people visit and share and visit again.

3. A Network

Blogs are designed to be social. As you build your content on your site, also build your social media accounts. And interact with others – other bloggers within your niche, your new social media followers, and businesses and brands related to your niche. Give, give, give and share, share, share. Without expecting anything in return. These people will remember your generosity and be an invaluable resource to you as your site grows.

3 Ways Bloggers Make Money Blogging

Once a blogger has those 3 essentials in place, there are a few different ways to monetize. Here are the most common…

1. Display Advertising

Yes, I know those ads between paragraphs and along sidebars can seem annoying. But they are often an integral part of a blogger’s income. Remember, the blogger is offering their content to readers for FREE. She has to find payment for her time and feed her kids somehow! So, bloggers sign up for ad networks (i.e. Google Adsense, The Blogger Network, Chitika, Adthrive), place ads via the network throughout their blogs, and get paid based on how many readers see and/or click on those ads.

2. Sponsored Posts

Another common income stream is securing sponsorship for blog content. Essentially, brands pay a set fee for their brand messaging and/or product to be woven into a blog post. I say “woven in,” because in my opinion when sponsored posts are done well, they should offer value to the blog reader regardless of the brand. And the brand messaging should feel naturally woven into that valuable content.

Here are some of my sponsored posts to show you what I mean…

Sometimes these sponsorship partnerships are built via direct communication between the blogger and the brand. But more often, the blogger utilizes an agency (i.e. TapInfluence) to match bloggers and brands.

3. Products & Services

When a blogger wants more passive income – meaning income that isn’t based on their time or blog traffic and is therefore often perceived as “easier” income in the long run – they often create products or services to sell through their blogs. These products could be books, eBooks, printables or other digital products. Services could be parent coaching, counseling, educational consulting, or blog coaching. The possibilities are endless.

So That’s My Answer in 3’s

Three must-haves + three ways to monetize = how bloggers make money blogging!

Already a blogger? Interested in working with brands on sponsored content opportunities? If you answered yes to either of these questions, join the TapInfluence marketplace and connect with hundreds of brands and agencies who power their influencer marketing campaigns through TapInfluence.