There was a time on the web when business owners were trying to decide whether to blog or not to blog.
Primarily because is was just one more thing to do -- and who needed more to do? Well, it turns out that blogging was not a fly by night thing and can actually play a crucial role in your marketing plan as well as your bank account.
Blogging began as a way to deliver chunks of information fast - but like most things on the web, people figured out how to make money with them.
1.
Google AdSense The most significant way people monetize their blogs is with Google AdSense.
Most blogging platforms such as Blogger and WordPress even allow for easy AdSense integration.
The decision on where to place Google ads in your blog should probably be based on your content and your marketplace.
If you are blogging on marketing, entrepreneurship, entertainment, dieting and other topics with a large broad audience - you can get away with ads within the body of each post, as well as in the sidebar(s) or in the footer of the blog.
If you are writing about softer topics such as relationships, health, coaching, spirituality, wellness etc.
, you would do better with a small ad banner after each post and/or in the sidebar.
The key is to test placement within your blog.
2.
Chitika or Kontera Another great passive income option for blogs are the use of content links.
Services like Chitika or Kontera are proven services to use for making money with your blogs.
In fact, it is the #1 income stream of many top bloggers making over $100,000 on the web.
*These services have traffic requirements, but another service like it (contextcash) is similar but links to ClickBank products exclusively.
3.
Other Affiliates Blogging is a great way to write about products and services in your field, especially if you have signed up as an affiliate for that product or service.
A formula I have found that works well is writing reviews on books, products, services or programs that I have personally used.
This way the recommendation is sincere and the writing was effortless.
4.
Your Own Products Of course if you have our own products or services, then it makes perfect sense that you should promote them on your blog.
Placing small square ads in one of your side columns is a great place for them - as well as weaving promotion of your products within blog posts that are relevant to what you are offering.
5.
Advertisements You've heard the stories about the mommy or celebrity bloggers who make thousands a month blogging--and it's all from advertising.
This income stream works well with blogs which attract large amounts of traffic and appeal to a particular demographic.
But even if your blog is just starting out - if it serves a narrow niche, there may be advertisers who would be willing to pay to reach your audience.
Just be sure that opening your blog to advertisers is something you want to do - and that they are not your direct competition.
Finally, remember that ultimately your blogs will make money if they contain posts that are informative and/or entertaining and keep readers coming back for more.
So it's important to remember that the quality of your content should be your #1 priority.