Updated February 28, 2017
I’m sure all my blogger friends near and far agree with me: if you run a blog, it’s worth it to be rewarded by your hard work. Bloggers spend countless hours putting together killer content. We do so many things – photograph, write, edit, film, design, plan, etc. etc. The internet is getting a little piece of awesome from us for free.
Shouldn’t it be okay for us to be paid for our work? The answer is yes. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk specifics.
I often get asked by friends and other non-bloggers how I make money through my blog. My blog has turned into a part-time job for me, and I take it as seriously as I would any other career.
I don’t plan on telling you guys all how much I make, because a girl’s gotta have some secrets. But, I do want to break it down for you and tell you where the money is coming from in hopes that you get inspired to earn a little (or a lot!) of cash from blogging!
I’ve spent years building my traffic and following. It’s important to note that my pageviews and site statistics play a big part in this, but I do want you to know that you can make money no matter what the size of your blog. Realize you are worth it!
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty.
My blog income comes in through:
- 60% sponsored partnerships and posts
- 30% ads
- 10% affilate marketing
Let’s break it down even further.
Sponsored Partnerships and Posts
I make the majority of my income through partnerships with brands, whether it’s sponsored blog or social media posts. I have become very picky lately, when it comes to sponsored posts. I am only picking opportunities that are true to me and my “brand.” I have been contacted privately by brands, or I will go through a network to get a sponsored post. My favorite networks to find sponsored posts are TapInfluence (brands contact me through the network and I get to set my own rate), Social Fabric (I like them for drugstore beauty opportunities, although I wish they paid more), and Clever Girls. If you’re looking to get started with some networks, here is a pretty exhaustive list of blogger networks and media companies. I encourage you to take a look and apply for what looks interesting to you.
Ads
I use The Blogger Network to manage all of the ads on my blog. I absolutely love them. They do everything for you, including set up all your ads in your blog. They are easy to get in touch with and are very responsive. In the past, I have been with BlogHer and Mode Media, and I have made far more with The Blogger Network and am the happiest with them. No contracts, no exclusivity clauses. They strategically place your ads so you make the most you can. They just rock.
Affiliate Marketing
The smallest amount of my blog income comes through affiliate marketing. I am a part of RewardStyle, ShopStyle Collective, and Amazon Associates. Whenever I link to products on my blog, I will use an affiliate link. If someone clicks and/or makes a purchase, I receive a small commission. I think the smallest amount of my income is through affiliate marketing because of my niche. Fashion bloggers seem to to the best with this!
Now, how do I keep track of all this income? Lisette made an income tracker freebie a while back and I used her idea to help craft my own. I also added in a stats tracker, so I could track my blog’s growth and social media followers. It’s really helped me visually see my growth!
Since it’s the end of January, I thought it would be the perfect time to share it with you guys! Start tracking your income and stats throughout the year and get excited with me when our blogs grow!
The file is a Google Sheet, so you can access it anytime, anywhere!
Download the freebie below!
Let’s make 2016 the best blogging year yet!
Deliberate Mom (@DeliberateMom) says
Wonderful tips and insights Meg!
I’m with a few of these programs but I should check out some of the other ones you’ve mentioned. Some obviously aren’t a good fit for me (Reward Style and Shop Style) because of my blog niche but there’s some great info here!
Thanks so much for sharing.
xoxo
Tiffany says
Great post lady! I’ll for sure start using your income tracker. I didn’t use one last year and am kicking myself for it now.
Meg O. says
Yes, the income tracker is a life saver… definitely start using it!!
tawnyafaust says
Great post for someone trying to monetize for sure!! Great printable too!!
Meg O. says
Thank you, girlfriend!!!
dressupbuttercup says
This was perfect! Thankful for all of the useful information!
Meg O. says
You are so welcome! I am happy to help!!
Sara says
Meg- you are again filled with a wealth of knowledge. Every question on my paper was just answers. I owe you a drink!
Meg O. says
Haha you are too kind, friend! I mean I will take a drink any day (after whole30, of course… haha)
Tracy says
Thank you so much for this. I used your name as my referral for the Blogger Network. Thanks again!
Meg O. says
Aw, thank you so much for putting me down as a reference! That means a lot to me! Glad to help 🙂
Chastity says
Thanks for posting this, as I’m working to promote my own blog I really appreciate this!
Shelbi says
Thank you for sharing, Meg! I’m definitely still a newb when it comes to monetizing my blog and this helped a lot!
Thea C. says
Thanks for the helpful tips! I just started my blog in December, and I just found your blog! I have a quick question- I’m only 15, and I can’t make any money on Google adsense because I am too young. Do you know what sponsorship programs there are for teens?
Cait says
thanks for all your tips friend! love these ideas!
aoliver88 says
Thanks for the income tracker, Meg!
Hope S. says
Thank you so much for this post. It has great information. I’m starting to get serious about my blog and learning to monetize. I am grateful for the income and stats tracker. This will definitely come in handy. ☺ Can’t wait to read your other posts.
Hayley says
The company you work with for your ads–is it free?