Making Money from Blogs

Some people have strong personal feelings with respect to making money from their blogs. Many of the people who write blogs today simply want to share their opinion on something. But then there are the business-minded folks, who have found a way to use blogs, or Web logs, to bring in a little extra cash too. If you think commercializing your blog is evil, immoral, unethical, uncool, lame, greedy, obnoxious, or anything along those lines, then don’t commercialize it. Many of the people who write blogs today simply want to share their opinion on something. But then there are the business-minded folks, who have found a way to use blogs, or Web logs, to bring in a little extra cash too.

Try and choose an event that you have an interest in. It could be a major sports event, a major product launch or major movie release. The optimum word here though is “major.” If its a sports event it needs to be at least a bi-annual event rather than being held each year. A major product launch could be the next new Harley Davidson due out in 2 years etc. and if its a movie, it needs to already have a fan base so it wants to be a remake, a follow on or a hugely popular book or TV show adaptation and it doesn’t want to be due for release for at least 18 months.

If you build up a large subscriber base, you can also use it to send other email campaigns and promotions for your merchandise, book, or affiliate products. A word of caution, however, no one likes unsolicited emails so you should be sure that you have permission to send additional emails and that they offer something of value and are not just viewed as annoyances. Finally, over time as your readership and brand grows, you can also offer a paid version of your newsletter that contains more information than the free one.

Many people associate blogs exclusively with a cyberspace-based soapbox — a place to shout your opinions and little more than that. Granted, blogs are an ideal venue to share your thoughts with others, but don't overlook their capacity to generate new business as well. When appropriate, work in references to what you do and, in turn, what you may be able to offer any would-be client or customer who may be reading your blog.