Psst….I’ll let you in on a little secret. We’re growing around here. While the blog has been around for a year now, I didn’t start getting “serious” about it until this past April. I talked with my husband and told him I wanted to commit to growing my blog and he was supportive. In the past three months since I made that commitment the growth has been exponential.
Readership has gone from 2,400 views in March to over 57,500 so far in July. All of a sudden I’m getting emails soliciting me for ad space and being given product for reviews and giveaways. It’s been amazing.
The reason I’m telling you all this is because I want to be sure as my blog grows, I don’t compromise it for the sake of a few extra bucks. I am very excited at the prospect of being able to bring in an income, however small, to offset the costs of the projects I do and the cost of maintaining the blog. In a dream world I could truly contribute to our family’s bottom line. So let me tell you a bit about the opportunities I am currently taking and a few things you might see changing around here:
1. Sponsored Blog Posts
I have already done a few sponsored blog posts in the past through SocialSpark and have recently also joined the Clever Girls Network which will also be offering me opportunities to do sponsored posts or sampling campaigns. All of my sponsored posts are disclosed within the post and I will never post opinions that are not my own. I turn down the vast majority of posts offered to me because they do not jive with the subject matter of the blog or my own personal values. I am committed to being true in what I share with you. That being said I will be sharing from time to time a product relating to DIY/home decor/gardening or even a kid’s product (because first and foremost I am a mom and I know that many of you are too). These sponsored posts will not take the place of a regular post or delay any projects I’m already planning to share-they will be an addition to the “regular programming” around here.
2. Ads
I have had some ads on the blog for a while but have had a love/hate relationship with them. I have had some trial and error with placing them on the blog and not liking them and taking them down. I recently signed up with a new company and you will notice that there are a few new ads placed around the blog. I’m excited to be working with Rivit Media which I have heard rave reviews about. If you have feedback about the ads-their placement, the subject matter, etc. please do not hesitate to contact me and let me know how you feel. I don’t want my blog to look like a giant billboard and I am trying to make sure that does not happen.
3. Videos
I am in the process of working with a company to put some really great DIY video features on my sidebar. I’m excited to see them in action once they are up and hear how you like them. I’ve seen them on other sites and heard great things about them and I hope that they are value-added to my readers. Like I mentioned above-if you have feedback about them-like/dislike-please shoot me an email and let me know.
4. Product Sampling
From time to time I will receive products to try out and share with you. I will always disclose in my posts when I receive free products and I will always share the good and the bad about anything I try and share with you. Its all honesty here. (I try to ask for product to give away to you all too!) I am grateful for some great crafting and DIY companies that I’ll be working with in the coming weeks and months to help bring some larger projects to fruition and share a some goodies with you all as well!
5. Affiliate Ads
This has been another area I have gone back and forth with. I currently show two affiliate ads on my sidebar for SocialSpark and Shoot, Fly, Shoot. Basically what that means is if you go through my link to those companies and sign up I get a small payment. I am a member of Social Spark myself and I took {and loved} Shoot, Fly, Shoot’s Photography 101 course back in June. As with sponsored posts I will disclose my affiliation to any company I endorse and promise to always give my honest opinion.
Well, that’s about it. In the interest of transparency and possibly to help direct other new bloggers to ways to monetize I had wanted to share what I was doing. I’m excited about the growth of the blog and hope the opportunities I’m taking to earn will help me to bring you even better and bigger projects in the coming months.
Thanks for stopping by!
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that’s awesome!
I love posts like these from more established bloggers. I am just starting my blog and want to do it right and would love to make a bit of money on the side. This was a great post. Oh and I found your post on Manic Monday link up.
http://www.adventureswithcaptaindestructo.com
Thanks for all of the information. I haven’t been following you for very long, but glad I found you. I went to Shoot Fly Shoot and signed up. My pictures leave something to be desired. Thanks again for recommending them. ~Lori
I really think your going to love the class Lori-my photography is by no means perfect but its vastly improved since taking the Shoot, Fly, Shoot class and the great thing is I learned the skills necessary to keep improving. I’m going to take the 102 class as soon as its available. Please let me know what you thought of the class once you’re finished!
Very awesome, I’m glad your blog is growing! I’m just starting to work on growing my blog, so this is useful. Thanks so much for sharing this at The Fun In Functional!
Can not tell you how helpful this information and these resources are. My blog is only 7 weeks old and this is the direction I want to go and it is so helpful to hear from someone who is headed down that path. Best of luck in your venture. Your new fan, KP
Great tips and love your honesty in sharing how you got to this point. We would love to invite you to join us on Saturday Show & Tell on Cheerios and Lattes. I know our readers will love your ideas! Have a great weekend!
Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-22/
Mackenzie recently posted..Beach Vacation Memory Craft
Thank you for your candor. I’m a new reader…just popping over from A2D’s linky party. My blog began in April…and it’s been a slow beginning. To what do you attribute your big jump in views? BTW – congratulations too!!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day recently posted..Copy Cat Challenge {Painted Outdoor Floor Cloth}