When establishing a business blogging strategy with my clients, I always ask if they want to earn money from their blog. The response is almost always the same, “I can do that?” The answer is yes, you can monetize your business blog and you should start now.
“Monetize” seems to have a negative connotation these days. It is easy to start a blog t and who doesn’t like the idea of sitting around in your pajamas writing an article a day and making millions? Well, it isn’t quite that easy as many ex-bloggers will attest. Providing value and strategic monetizing can provide an additional revenue stream for you and your business. Be prepared, monetizing and earning relevant income from your blog will not happen over night so bring your patience.
Add Value and Gain Readership
In order for you to earn money through your blog, you need a following. To gain a following, you need to be producing content consistently that adds value to the conversation. This will take time. Be patient as you grow your blog and remember monetizing is a long-term strategy not a short-term goal.
Establish Business Partnerships
Find complimentary businesses that you respect and would recommend and discuss setting up a referral program. Clearly define the terms including what constitutes a referral. Write a blog post on the business and create a partners page listing your business partners.
Sell Your Knowledge
Do you have knowledge gained through your business that you can share? Think about offering online courses or creating an ebook. Once you create the content, sell it through your site and remember to promote it along the way. Again, there may not be a huge demand overnight, things on the internet take time after all, but it can pay off overtime.
Advertisements
Consider placing some advertising on your site through Google Adsense. I don’t mean clutter the side bar with tons of ads but an ad or two is an easy way to begin. This will not make you rich but it could end up buying you a cup of coffee in the morning – and more as your readership grows.
Affiliates
Do you use products or tools that could benefit your customers? Tools of the trade, your blog host and even your accounting program may have affiliate programs. Sign up for them! Let people know the tools you use to run your business and provide your affiliate links to get credit. Take it a step further and write a post on the tools you use and tell your audience why you use them.
Disclaimer
Make sure and include a disclaimer page. A disclaimer includes all sort of things to keep you out of trouble: Terms of Use, Copyright Policy, Privacy Statement and Advertisers and Sponsors jargon. Be open and transparent. Google “blog disclaimers” for some examples and to help you create your disclaimer statement.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about monetizing your blog. Your blog is the only marketing content that works for you 24 x 7. There is no reason that it can’t work for you in multiple ways.
Over the past 10 years, Kim Yuhl co-owned Flagstaff Express (now Arizona Shuttle) and Fizz Bath Shop, located in downtown Flagstaff, AZ. Most recently, Kim drew on her experience marketing her small businesses to launch Project Bullhorn to provide advice and strategies for small businesses that manage their own social media. Through Project Bullhorn, Kim recently announced the launch of Blogging Your Story, online content specifically designed for small business owners looking to get more customers and make money with their business blog. You can email Kim with questions at kim@projectbullhorn.com.