Written on January 23rd, 2008 at 05:01 am by Darren Rowse
A Reality Check about Blogging for Money
Last week’s article in the Wall Street Journal revealed that my blog earnings are in excess of $250,000 per year (a very ballpark figure).
The problem with these type of articles is that they report in a few words just one element of a story - in this case my earnings.
While it’s true that I have built my blogging to a point where I’m able to earn good money blogging there are many things that an article like the one in the WSJ didn’t (and couldn’t) mention about how I was able to build my blogging up to this point.
The impact of this missing ‘back story’ is that much of the reality of blogging for money goes unseen by those looking at blogging as a potential income stream - leading some to naively enter into blogging with false expectations.
Of course when these expectations are not met things can get ugly with disappointment and anger being a common reaction. What disappoints me as a blogger writing on this topic is that I regularly see other bloggers feeding their readers with hype and false hopes about how easy it is to make big money from blogging. This only adds to the distance between their reader’s expectations and the reality of blogging for money.
The Reality of Blogging for Money
So what is the reality of building up one’s blogging to a point where they can make a full time living blogging?
Here are five facts that I’d like to share about my own story to give a more realistic picture to those considering getting into blogging as a way to make a living.
1. It takes a concerted long term effort
I have been blogging for five years. The first year was not for money in any way (although I learned a lot about blogging in that year) and the next two I worked 2-3 jobs at a time (and was studying part time) while I built my blogging up from a hobby, to part time job to a full time venture (more on my story here).
I’m often asked things like - ‘I need to make $xxxx in the next few months - how would you do it with a new blog?’
The average age of blogs in the Technorati Top 100 was over 3 years when I last surveyed it - while the occasional blogger has a fast rise to frame they are the exception. Building a successful blog takes a long time (it takes time to build readership, to work out how to monetize it etc) so take a long term approach and pace yourself.
2. It takes luck
I won’t speak for other bloggers but in my case I was very fortunate on many fronts. I started blogging at a good time (it was a lot less crowded and competitive back then).
- I stumbled on making money from blogs quite accidentally
- I started my first money making blog on the spur of the moment and picked a topic (digital
- photography) without knowing what I was doing - but for the time it was right)
- I met the right people at the right time
- Bigger bloggers discovered me at opportune times
The lucky list could go on - but I was very lucky. Of course some people ‘make their own luck’ and to some extent I agree with this - there are ways to increase your chances of being lucky - but some of it is outside your hands. Sometimes the luck comes and sometimes it doesn’t.
3. It takes a lot of work
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how blogging less can mean more from your blog (example 1 and example 2). While I agree with this - that doesn’t mean you can just come up with a few posts on a whim every few days and expect the traffic (and money) to come rolling in. Over the last 3 years I’ve consistently worked 40-60+ hour weeks on my blogging. At one point I was posting 20-30 posts per day (mainly news related posts back then). Most bloggers that make a full time living from blogging work corresponding hours on it.
4. Many don’t make much money blogging
I’ve often used the analogy of Professional sports people to highlight that in any ‘game’ there are many who play it - less who make a little money from the game, even less who are able to earn a living from it (just) and just a small group who make big money from it. The same is true for bloggers. I’ve run many polls here at ProBlogger on how much people are earning from the medium (eg) and on every single occasion they reveal that the vast majority of bloggers are making very little per month. While it is possible to make amazing money from blogging the sad reality is that most don’t make more than pocket money. Even some blogs who ‘deserve’ to make money blogging don’t.
5. It’s hard
One thing that I’ve found to be common with when I had small/new blogs and now having blogs that are doing reasonably well is that in both instances it can be really hard to keep them going. The pressure to keep coming up with fresh ideas, to respond to critique of others, to deal with jealousy when others do well and more can be difficult to deal with. On some levels it gets easier to deal with as your blog grows - but on other levels the demands that you face from a larger readership can at times be overwhelming. Most bloggers that I know (big and small) have at one point or another been close to giving up - I know I have.
Feeling Depressed?
I don’t want to put a downer on those of you wanting to take your blogs to a level where you could make good money from blogging - the fact is that it is possible and and increasing number of people are making a part time or full time living from the medium - but I do think it’s important to have a realistic picture before getting into blogging for money.
While some bloggers do talk about blogging as a way to make quick money I’ve not had that experience myself. Perhaps others do get rich quick from blogging - but I’ve not met any successful bloggers who’ve told me that yet.
204 Responses to “A Reality Check about Blogging for Money”
Badger Gravling
January 23rd, 2008 6:04 am
Great post, and something to counteract the hundreds of myth-selling blogs around…
If money was that easy to get, then it wouldn’t be valuable in the first place. And unless you inherit it or win it, most methods to get it involve a lot of hard work…
It’s why so many ‘Get Rich From Blogging’ sites never seem to disclose figures, or share the tips that they claim give their competitive edge - leaving so many just regurgitating the same basic advice.
I’m just glad I only blog for the community aspect and any money I make is a bonus!
Daniel Scocco
January 23rd, 2008 6:07 am
True indeed. I guess people should expect that blogging is just like any other project or venture.
Success comes after hard work no matter what.
There are no shortcuts.
Jack Humphrey
January 23rd, 2008 6:17 am
Managing expectations of clients and members who come to us after reading articles like that is one of our biggest jobs.
People tend to focus on headlines and blurbs and say “Hey, I’d like to make $250k too!”
And with that, they are off to figure out how the internet ATM machine works and where they can get a card. That’s where they meet the dirty 4 letter word: WORK.
And that’s what keeps us established bloggers from having to compete with too many others because most just shrink like a violet when they realize you didn’t get where you are today without some very serious effort and dedication.
(The luck helps too!)
Internet Marketing Blog
January 23rd, 2008 6:23 am
Blogging really isn’t the best way to make money. My advice for most people is: If you are in it for the money, do something else.
Lewis
January 23rd, 2008 6:24 am
Congratulations on the article! I think you should take pride in getting three paragraphs in a WSJ article!!! So cool!
I know I learn a lot from your site. I do wish you would bring back you video sessions I learned a lot from those as well.
Cheers
Boring Market
January 23rd, 2008 6:24 am
A lot of people just turn in there 2 weeks and then start there blog, you’re right you need some planning and years of hard work behind you before you even make any money rather even build an audience.
Stephanie
January 23rd, 2008 6:25 am
It’s so true. I’ve told people that if earning money at home were as easy as some like to claim it is, we’d all be rich. It’s not, and that’s a reality to be faced. You have to work for your money no matter what you do. A few may hit it lucky and work less, but most won’t.
Scott Clark
January 23rd, 2008 6:27 am
Often what is overlooked / misunderstood is the meta-economy of blogging. While I don’t make much on the blog site itself, it makes the phone ring for my consulting firm - with people telling me they have read every post before calling.
Guillermo
January 23rd, 2008 6:27 am
Gracias Darren!
It’s good to see my reality check is similar to yours… That would mean I’m on the good track.
I’ve been blogging “for free” for almost 3 years. Last September I’ve decided to take a more serious approach with my blogging and I made a series of radical changes. I keep on working, reading, learning and giving extra hours every day… Who knows some day I’ll be able to earn a living of my weblog.
Hasta Pronto!
Aaron Abber
January 23rd, 2008 6:29 am
Darren,
People are not limited to “traditional” blogging–as you have mentioned before, capturing leads has become an important part of your blog. I wonder if you had started by focusing on leads you would have made more money sooner?
When I got online in 2001 I didn’t even know what a blog was, but I basically blogged. I wrote 3-5 articles a week, syndicated them through things like Yahoo Groups and used them to attract subscribers to my newsletter.
While it took me about 6 months to build enough experience and following to make a solid living, it came relatively quickly.
I think one difference is that I focused early on capturing “subscribers” (as you mentioned earlier this week) rather than simply trying to get people to read. By 2004 I was earning over $23 a year per subscriber. I never focused on my writing as a source of advertising income, I focused on lead generating instead.
My two cents.
Stock Trader Guy
January 23rd, 2008 6:29 am
I think another thing people don’t realize is how they will screw up 10 times for every one success… you cant get dscouraged
Rhys
January 23rd, 2008 6:31 am
I’ve been blogging now for over 5 years. Only within the last year I have “made money” on my blog. The money is paying for my holiday this year, but it’s not enough to manage a full time income on.
chrispian
January 23rd, 2008 6:44 am
I get tired of reading how “easy” it is to make money with blogs, or online in general. Many of them are bordering on scams at this point. Great reality check, I think that says a lot coming from someone in your position to talk about how hard it is and how much work it takes.
Frugal Dad
January 23rd, 2008 6:49 am
I believe you put it best in a post about setting goals for your blog (I think this was a video post from a while back). It’s best to set daily goals for your income. Start small…maybe $1 a day from online activity. Once you hit that goal, try to double it and earn $2 a day. If you fire up a new blog and try to instantly make $250k a year you will most likely fail miserably. There are a lot of numbers between $0 and $250k that I would be happy to earn from my blogging efforts!
esvl
January 23rd, 2008 6:49 am
I thought I could get rich quickly from the internet, so I quit my job only to find out that I had to work harder than when I had a day job. Sometimes working until 4am. Only after 6 months did I start to make enough money to make a living on the internet. And I still have to work hard to maintain it.
If I look back I might choose my dayjob because it was way easier. But the perks of working for yourself just beats that by a mile.
Mike Goad
January 23rd, 2008 6:56 am
I’ve been trying to make money on the internet for over ten years and I’ve only had limited success. Things are looking better right now, but I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work. Fortunately, I’ve got a pension and don’t need the income right now and I’m going back to work short term as a contractor. However, I’m going to keep plugging away at this as long as I can continue to enjoy it. Thanks for another interesting and straight forward post.
Omar Yesid Mariño
January 23rd, 2008 6:59 am
Perseverance is key for a successful blogging. But you also need confidence in yourself. Confidence implies knowledge.
Making money for blogging is easy if you have the right knowledge. But, usually, the knowledge is a combination of education and experience. And the experience implies time. Of course, if you have a lot of money, you could build a successful blog in less time (or maybe not) by promoting your blog, but experience will be always invaluable and you cannot buy experience with money.
Garry Conn
January 23rd, 2008 7:02 am
Darren,
Very well said. I can’t begin to tell you how many blogs where I see the same thing. Granted, I am not going to point fingers. But on my blog, I preach the same thing as you are doing in this post. And that message is, “This is NOT an easy business. It is something that can be reached, but you have to put in a lot of time, hard work and superior decision making… and yes, luck.”
Wonderful post and I’ll be sure to use this as as a reference for the many who are inspired to make money blogging.
Best Regards,
Garry Conn
Beth
January 23rd, 2008 7:05 am
Well said. I don’t see myself blogging for major income at any point, purely because of the amount of dedication it requires. However, I do see myself still blogging in at least 6 months’ time - something a lot of people might fail to think about when they decide blogging’s a good way to ‘get rich quick’.
Woodshed
January 23rd, 2008 7:08 am
I’m with Scott. Blogs aren’t, for most people, a great way to generate money. But, they are a fantastic way to build trust and relationships. Once you’ve built that trust, there are plenty of ways to make money that are much more lucrative than ads.
Lex G
January 23rd, 2008 7:17 am
It’s about time you wrote a post like this Darren … I’ve got one coming up myself … which could be even more depressing for many people … but then again … there’s nothing better then the truth….
Lex
Jay
January 23rd, 2008 7:18 am
IMHO: Readership success comes from good content and proper use of the available tools and channels - which is another way of saying “hard work.” Monetary success comes from that plus luck, as you mention. It’s like any business - you hope to get out in dollars what you put in in time, plus a little if your lucky or especially gifted. If you can view the money as a nice perk for doing what you love, then you’ll be in a way better mind set. I’m excited that I made $10* this weekend. It’s more than I made before I monetized. *(Not an exact figure.)
lisa coultrup ( kystorms)
January 23rd, 2008 7:25 am
I am so happy this post was put up on your blog, now maybe the thousands of scams that persist on the net will begin to have some light shed on them. As with anything in life, one has to work hard, persevere through the hard times, learn as much as one can, and have faith in themselves, but it is hard work and time that are the most important to understand.
:-)
Grant D. Griiffiths
January 23rd, 2008 7:28 am
Finally someone, and it had to be you, to say what is true about making money with a blog.If there is one thing I am sick and tired of it is the bloggers out there talking about the get rich quick things you can do with a blog. Thanks Darren for your honest post.
Paul Legan
January 23rd, 2008 7:31 am
This post is a good example of why I read this blog - you are realistic, not idealistic. I think many people get too caught up in the money game and fall to realize the hard work that goes into a successful blog.
Judging from the comments, I think many others are glad to see a post like this as well.
Matthew Bredel
January 23rd, 2008 7:32 am
So many people are looking for the quick buck online and this is no exception. I don’t make much money on blogging, but I do have an online marketing career and there is NOTHING trivial about it. It is a lot of work and requires you to treat it as a business, not a hobby like many people perceive. Your income does not surprise me because I can see the hard work is evident in the quality of blog that you have created…matt
Catherine
January 23rd, 2008 7:34 am
It took me 20 years of hard work to build my first mail order business to the point where my website had 2 million hits a month and a 6-figure income at it’s peak. If I can do the same with blogging within 10 years, I will consider it a job well done! LOL
Emma
January 23rd, 2008 7:38 am
I’m sure having a truly successful blog, such as yours, can be extremely stressful. Occasionally, when I have a small burst of success, on my site, I suddenly feel pressure to perform. I guess handling success comes with the territory, you seem to deal with it well. As far as the reality, of get rich quick online schemes, a few months blogging should squelch that notion.
Stationstops.com
January 23rd, 2008 7:42 am
Item #4 is especially relevant.
Similarly, people might be surprised to hear that there are only 200 novelists in the US who can support themselves by *just writing novels*.
I feel bad for all the many people who seek fortune in the creative arts thinking it is a good living because the top earners are so highly exposed, when in reality the vast majority are unable to even earn a living wage off it.
Brett
January 23rd, 2008 7:45 am
Darren, thank you for writing such a realistic and honest post. I must say, one of the things I most enjoy about your Blog is the honesty and integrity of your writing. Compared to the complete and utter BS that some write about making money through Blogging, your posts are delightfully refreshing and much appreciated. Thanks again. :-)
LC
January 23rd, 2008 7:45 am
One can always spot the successful as they give much credit to luck.
Luck tends to follow hard work and putting yourself in the right places, but it’s still luck and timing.
I’m in my 30th year of developing real estate and only in the past 8-10 years have I made what some would call a substantial income. I would define that as enough of an asset base to where the income therefrom yields enough to never having to tap the assets and making more money than one can reasonably spend. It allows me to start this new enterprise in hopes that I will make some money someday, but it’s not going to change my lifestyle either way.
I’ve been lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and to have had fantastic partners. I think Darren would essentially say the same thing.
Darren Rowse
January 23rd, 2008 7:51 am
Lex - “It’s about time you wrote a post like this Darren ”
Actually I’ve written this post numerous times over the last 3 years.
The problem is that they are quickly forgotten and often brushed over by the majority of readers. Not having a go at anyone - I just think that sometimes people read what they want to believe and they’d rather read a post saying that they can make money quick than a ‘reality check’ post like this.
I guess reality is just not as sexy as hype :-)
Anyway - I do appreciate everyone’s comments!
Bobby Handzhiev
January 23rd, 2008 7:55 am
It’s good to see that you distinguish yourself from all these get rich quick “gurus”. I am sick and tired of reading e-books and blogs full with digits and exclamation marks.
Blogging is business and like most businesses it’s not easy. And like in business, most startups fail.
MakeMoneyOnline
January 23rd, 2008 8:01 am
Thank you so much for the truth !
I’m 8 month newbie and I’m making about 60 to 80$ per month with adsense ( I’m posting my earnings everyday on my blog like John Chow :) ), people who can’t make a dime ask me how I did it, I told them I posted a lot for a few months, that it’s not easy because you don’t know if you’ll will ever get rewarded.
What I love the most in your post is your honesty about luck: so many people who have success rarely recognize that it plays a big role.
rjlight
January 23rd, 2008 8:15 am
You’ve been blessed, Darren, but you have also been a blessing to so many others. I was just asking myself — do I really want to make money blogging? Writing, yes, but blogging? It is very hard and very time consuming and so different than simply writing and selling your work.
Ron
January 23rd, 2008 8:39 am
While it really didn’t dampen my enthusiaism for my blog(I don’t think that was your intention) I do appreciate the realistic view you’ve given here. Disappointments and setbacks are easier to deal with when you anticipate them and therefore have a plan in place.
Carleenp
January 23rd, 2008 8:44 am
When peopIe learn that I make money blogging, I often find myself explaining that while I now make a decent amount of additional income from my own blogs and through a flat fee corporate gig, I also work a fairly large number of hours on it. Thus, it is not “easy money” and my “pay” averages out to an OK, but not overly impressive hourly rate. Average in all of the inital unpaid hours over the first months when I was getting started, and my average hourly rate would be pretty darn low! Unfortunately, too many fall into the trap of thinking that blogging can be some sort of easy road to riches.
Fat Kid Unleashed
January 23rd, 2008 8:53 am
It definitely takes more hard work to become a full time blogger now than it did a few years ago. Some very good examples, Darren.
Youfoundjake
January 23rd, 2008 9:02 am
Too bad WSJ linked to problogger.net and not http://www.problogger.net. Are we the only one’s aware of the difference? Good to see you have your 301 up, otherwise the IBL would have been wasted. :)
Youfoundjake
January 23rd, 2008 9:06 am
Side note, when posting the above comment, it timed out and said “ERROR
The requested URL could not be retrieved
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Your cache administrator is lee@b5media.com.
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I am on a T-3, so it’s not me :)
Relax Max
January 23rd, 2008 9:41 am
I read this entire post from top to bottom, including the side trips. Your story is inspirational to those of us who love to blog but seem to be all alone out there in the wilderness. We would quit if we just didn’t love to write so much. I am happy for you for the 250k. I would be happy right now with just the six bucks a day…
David
January 23rd, 2008 10:16 am
An honest assessment. Much applause. Let’s face it. Making money in this world is very difficult. So many people competing for the same commodity. Very few win lotteries and even some of them lose it all before too long.
Everyone wants what you have once you have it. I see blogging as first of all learning to produce something people need or enjoy. Quality content. Second would be building loyal readers. That is the only stat that really interests me. And maybe down the road make some money. But I don’t think you can ever really focus on that. It’s like trying to look at those little spots on your retina. If you look at them directly they go away. But you can see them out of the “corner” of your eye.
Enjoy life by learning to enjoy things that are simple and cheap. Blogging is a joy because it is an inexpensive way to reach thousands with our thoughts and creative efforts.
Wordpress has done the world a great service. And bloggers who help us to blog are doing the world a great service.
When you do that you will find the money finding you. You don’t really have to look for it.
Coryan
January 23rd, 2008 10:19 am
Thanks for the reality check, Darren. Most of what I read on money making blogs is how I can get rich blogging with only minimal effort. I hate to think how many new bloggers fall victim to this recent addition to the long list of get-rich-quick ideas. I particularly like your analogy with making money as an athlete.
This is why I keep coming back to ProBlogger. You provide honest information without the hype. Thanks!
Sean McGoldrick
January 23rd, 2008 10:34 am
Lots of good points and congratulations on getting to where you are. I started off blogging for money in October last with the very optimistic of making a living from it but I haven’t managed to make more than a part-time income from it yet. In a way it is encouraging to hear people say how it takes years. It makes me feel better about where I am after three months.
Mrs Fussypants
January 23rd, 2008 10:42 am
Wonderful post as usual, Darren!
Thank you.
Lex G
January 23rd, 2008 10:42 am
Darren : true ;) I didn’t browse all the archives … I could have guessed though …
Paul Short
January 23rd, 2008 10:46 am
@Darren you could write 50 posts on how hard it is to make a great blog, but all it takes is someone to throw people a bone by saying blogging is the magic bullet to becoming successful online and your common sense posts mean nothing anymore.
It’s kind of sad really, but people are hopeful creatures and common sense doesn’t often apply in internet land.
Liz Strauss
January 23rd, 2008 11:10 am
Thanks, Darren, for saying this out loud one more time. It’s a message that can’t be repeated enough. It’s hard to look around to see folks waiting for their blogs to sprout in a few months. As you said, the back story counts for so much on any blog. Even the “overnight successes” have worked incredibly hard to get where they are . . . sometimes their work years before started their blog.
You’re an inspiration.
Liz
lady coveted
January 23rd, 2008 11:11 am
thanks for such a real down to earth post about money. i’ve been blogging for almost a year and maybe made a couple of hundred dollars… but i was mostly working on being able to produce quality content and a good following.
i find that with my blog, i play a publisher of many hats… it’s super hard to do that with a full time job. seriously, i don’t think there is anyway to do it, most people say it takes a year… but i didn’t have that experience.
Brad V.
January 23rd, 2008 11:26 am
Congratulations on getting mentioned in the WSJ! While I thought it was a good article, I was a little disappointed that the article didn’t mention the points you covered above. It almost made blogging out to be some get-rich-quick scheme - when it’s just the opposite.
For every blogging success story, there are thousands of those struggling to make pocket-change off their blog. And it’s getting harder because there are so many blogs out there.
If someone wants to get into blogging, it should be because they love writing, love the internet and interaction with others through the internet, and have a passion for the topic you write about. If you got that, then you’ll blog regardless of the income factor.
For me, blogging is mainly a hobby right now. Although my goal is to make some money at it in the future. Right now I’m just having fun and enjoying the ride!
Ed O'Keeffe
January 23rd, 2008 11:50 am
It’s true, spent the last 3 years blogging on my website and I have made $70 in that time.
*Sigh*
Dobbs
January 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm
I think also something that matters a lot with making money blogging is the content that you are blogging about. It seems logical that someone blogging about electronics or cameras and with corresponding adds on their site and with high traffic would make more money than a site with equal traffic levels but content that doesn’t have the same high potential payoffs like blogging about electronics or cameras.
It is just a theory and maybe I’m wrong but I would be interested in hearing what others think.
Tech Slice
January 23rd, 2008 12:32 pm
You’re not putting a downer on anyone. They are simply facts and anyone who wants to make money from their blog needs to accept them.
LaShon James-Major
January 23rd, 2008 1:10 pm
Thanks for the reality check. Just like anything in life blogging for money takes hard work and persistence.
Rose
January 23rd, 2008 1:31 pm
Thank you! :) I actually found this a spirit booster. It makes me feel my blog is progressing normally and isn’t a failure because it doesn’t have 1000 readers in 3 months.
Michael Lodispoto
January 23rd, 2008 2:19 pm
Darren - you are a star when it comes to blogging. It doesn’t matter if you as one of the leaders in blogging make 250K a year. You provide an excellent service and that is what your site is about. The amount that you make matters not to me. I have been making six figures every month since 2000 ( all offline businesses though). Not that it matters much in the online world.
You have shown how to start from nothing, how anyone
(well almost) can do it, and to be able to make 250K a year doing something that you love is fantastic in anyone’s book. Up until 2005 I was miserable with a few of my businesses and although the money was great, it wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as my little blog that I have for just 3 months now and the input that I get from people. I owe that to you, and Maki at Dosh Dosh as well as Andy Beard. All of you guys have awesome sites and you all help people. That is what matters.
Anyone reading your site who thinks that they will be super rich overnight has their own problems.
What is important is you serve as an example to others. You have been copied, duplicated and imitated for many many months now.
You can rest well at night knowing that you have helped so many people and have such a loyal readership.
Adam Singer
January 23rd, 2008 2:39 pm
agreed — i find it a fun way to spend time and a learning experience
making money isn’t really my aim =)
Chris
January 23rd, 2008 2:53 pm
Great post. Thanks for remaining realistic and not glorifying the medium.
hotdogman
January 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm
I started my blog as a lark and stumbled on a ton of “make money blogging” sites. Most of them are the same recycled junk that puts unrealistic expectations into the heads of blogging newbies.
The one and only good bit of advice (spouted by numerous “pro bloggers”) was “create good content.” It’s the old “if you build it they will come” theory.
Another thing I learned along the way is just “building it” isn’t enough. You need eyeballs-lots of them- and you need to convert the eyeballs to regular readers.
I did all the SEO stuff I could figure out and I’ve managed to make anywhere from $750-$1000 per month for the past 6 months or so.
I am not getting rich, but I paid for my kid’s braces, some daycare expenses, a bunch of domain names, an attorney’s bill, some Christmas presents and a new memory card for my computer. And I still have money rolling in every month.
It sure beats having a part time job and it’s a lot of fun.
Would I like to make $250,000 a year blogging? HELL YES, sign me up. Maybe someday I will. In the meantime, I’ll continue having some fun and having a chunk of extra cash around every month.
Thanks for all the advice and guidance on this site-it has helped me immensely.
Ron
January 23rd, 2008 3:04 pm
This is the first article I read on problogger.com. Great article. I’m a new blogger (started this January 1st) and luckily, I’ve always had the lens of reality screwed on tight. You put blogging into a much needed perspective.
You didn’t depress me..in fact…this article has motivated me to do more with my blog and come up with creative new concepts.
I’m in the infancy stage but learning a lot!
BloggingMix
January 23rd, 2008 3:28 pm
This is a good read, especially for those who think making money with your blog is easy. Your 5 points are indeed realistic. I hope a lot of bloggers who want to make money blogging read this. I’m actually surprised that that there are only 6 people who dugg this post.
993C4S
January 23rd, 2008 3:56 pm
Darren,
Appreciate the reality check. I’ve only recently started blogging and didn’t get into it to make money. If I’m able to along the way, that’s a bonus.
I’ve enjoyed your site and your advice, especially the part about finding your niche and developing good quality content.
My blog has been live for a little over a month now. I’ve focused on my topic, tried to provide valuable information and I’m getting some readers. Along the way, I’ve used some of your ideas (along with others) on how to monetize the site and I’m happy to say that it’s working and I’m very satisfied with the progress so far.
Thanks again,
John
JamieO
January 23rd, 2008 4:12 pm
The income I generate directly from my blog is secondary to the potential business leads it generates as a passive form of advertising. Given how much you’re socializing your own ideas and activities with people through digital means anyways, having a blog integrated into your website is not a stretch and has a lot of potential positive impact on your bottom line as a designer, artist, etc.
JamieO
January 23rd, 2008 4:16 pm
Darren - Did you know how much similarity between your 5 points about blogging are to descriptions of what it is like to play the board game Risk? I made use of your points as a great starting point into an exploration of the similarities between blogging and Risk.
JamieO
January 23rd, 2008 4:18 pm
I messed up that link it should be similarities between blogging and Risk. Forgot the http’s :(
JamieO
January 23rd, 2008 4:22 pm
Darren, feel free to delete previous comments to save me from myself. I’m just trying to share the blog creativity back to your readers, not spam, but apparently I cannot link to posts tonight.
Final Attempt
LintCollector
January 23rd, 2008 5:08 pm
Thanks Darren - I appreciate this reality check. Nice to see so many others value a bit of truth too.
It reminds me of commodities futures trading - the reality is that only 10% of investors make any money. Unfortunately all you hear are get-rich stories of people leveraging small investments into great fortunes … not the stories of people losing their homes, or people getting less return per hour than if they’d spent the time delivering pizzas instead.
I only blog as a hobby and to practice my writing, so was more than delighted last year to make enough money to cover domain and hosting fees with enough left over for a good coffee grinder!
Sean
January 23rd, 2008 5:24 pm
I think the analogy of comparing blogging to professional sport is excellent. Although it seems easy and anyone can do it, it takes dedication and a bit of luck.
Never heard the 250k income before. Congrats on that.
MakeMoneyOnline
January 23rd, 2008 5:41 pm
I already commented above but I would like to add:
When it’s me who said people : get realistic it’s hard work, it takes a lot of time, many won’t believe me, when it’s Darren, every does so it’s great someone like did say so otherwise nobody wants to hear it :)
marhgil
January 23rd, 2008 7:19 pm
very well said. it is not that easy making money from blogging. a lot of hard work is needed.
Scramblejam
January 23rd, 2008 7:33 pm
Hi Darren,
Despite your claim that this post and others on the topic may have slipped under the radar for many readers, I think they are absolutely crucial… I have pointed several friends towards your site in order to simultaneously illustrate that, YES you can make money from a blog, but that is is hard work and success is not guaranteed.
Wordpress + AdSense does not a millionaire make!
I am only a newbie at blogging, but I very much enjoy it and I, like many others, hope to earn money from it… I prefer to think of blogging as one of several income streams that I can build, and that it is more important to enjoy it for the intrinsic pleasure of blogging (and to make money as a bonus) than to seek money (and get frustrated by a lack of success).
Just my 2p…
Cifra
January 23rd, 2008 7:40 pm
I blog for fun :D And will continue to do so.
Dana
January 23rd, 2008 7:55 pm
That is a real good writting. You see… that is the reason for your success… I have learn that you have to be carefully with your blogs/sites and to relaxe… write good articles and to wait a long time before your success will come!
Thanks for your good articles!
m07
January 23rd, 2008 8:20 pm
great post.that should put an end to people imaginations those who think write one post today and earn thousands of dollars tomorrow.
wenko
January 23rd, 2008 9:04 pm
wow this is the best article ever. there’s a lot of smart ass bloggers who make it look easy but with your reality check that’s like the clincher to their arrogance. bottomline is what matters is you’re doing what you love. so i hope you check out my website coz it’s truly different than most.from now on i’m only gonna trust you hehe.God bless!!
Kate
January 23rd, 2008 9:15 pm
THANKYOU. Someone needs to say, blogging isn’t the best or easiest way to make money and it It is really sad to see people leaving jobs or setting sites a little too high, pinning all their hopes on a blog of their’s suceeding. You should blog because you enjoy it, if you happen to make money from it eventually, then thats great too.
Well done you, though, problogger is successful and so it should be.
Alpesh Patel
January 23rd, 2008 9:20 pm
Really a nice post. This post itself shows you still put most efforts for the right guidance t continue the quality behind your blogs
Ciara Copywriter
January 23rd, 2008 9:24 pm
Very interesting post, thank you.
I think one of the main elements that would actually scare me away from looking to blog as a career, or a full time job, is the pressure I think I would feel. I blog for my copywriting business, to get more clients via my blog, but I don’t even think I would WANT to have a huge following, I would cripple under the pressure. And I suppose it really takes a certain person to succeed in this, someone who doesn’t cripple under the pressure of having so many people waiting for your posts each day. Granted, if you build a number of readers with whom you have a good relationship, you can take a few days off here and there without annoying anybody but still, it’s not for me.
Seo ehcomunicacion
January 23rd, 2008 9:25 pm
I have several blogs and this five points are completely real. A lot of work and luck and you can earn some money.
Dave (scoobyphotos.com)
January 23rd, 2008 9:31 pm
Receipe for Blogging Success
Take 1 blog
Add a pinch of a good domain name
Pour in some originality
A teaspoon full of common sense
A sprinkling of trust
Add a half-dozen good posts a day
Mix in 2 tablespoons of good luck
put in hard work at 200deg and bake for 3 years. Check for consistency. If still wet in the middle, bake for a further 2 years. Cake should be firm to the touch, whilst retaining that moist flavour thats vital to a successful receipe.
If you are lucky, you put the hours in, can write good quality, original content, you may end up with a successful blog that makes a small amount of income. Rinse and repeat for a number of different blogs and you may make a living from it.
Jeniffer
January 23rd, 2008 9:39 pm
Very true!
I’ve only been doing this since September 27, and have to this point made $7.48 (haven’t gotten it yet. Part of that is $1.48 from a program that says you haveto have made $100.00 to get a check! Ask me in three years.)
I did one paid post, which I made all of $6.00 for.
Good thing I didn’t start this thinking I’d make tons of money fast. In fact, that $7.48 is $7.48 more than I thought I would make by this point.
ernan
January 23rd, 2008 10:13 pm
Making money on blogging is indeed hard and with so much competition nowadays, there is a need of combining various income generating strategies in order to at least earn some dollars enough to pay the hosting bills. :)
Dave
January 23rd, 2008 10:43 pm
The main thing about bloging, is becoming the best of what you are best in and also have the passion in it. Anything is possible if you would only believe in what you are doing and meet the right individuals.
Cookiemouse
January 23rd, 2008 11:16 pm
Starting a blog is easy. Maintaining a blog is hard work, but if you love what you write about it can be worth it. I agree with just about everything you write in this post. The pressure to be creative every day is the challenge that I love about blogging. Luck is something we always need. The hard work we provide ourselves.
Guardian Angel
January 23rd, 2008 11:27 pm
This is the pain of being a professional blogger. Sometimes you just need to be a right blogger, at the right place, at the right time. No proven specific money making tips that is applicable to all. But the sad part is, there are bloggers who just blog to earn money, and not caring for his readers. I am glad to be on of your subscribers because you never fail your readers.
Now I do not wonder why I am always your nth commenter. Thanks for sharing your story.
songchai
January 23rd, 2008 11:41 pm
Success is a story people would love to talk about. What your hard work in the past is what you deserb in present , Let them like the great article.
Lane Lester
January 24th, 2008 12:06 am
My own attempt to jump on the get-rich-blogging bandwagon was to write a free report about getting-rich-blogging. What I learned while writing it, plus my own failure to get rich blogging, led me to give it the title “Who Else Wants to Have Their Own Blog… and Make Some Money at the Same Time?”. Maybe that’s why I’m not rich: my headlines are too honest. :)
Mrs Mom
January 24th, 2008 12:23 am
Once again Darren, just as I was getting discouraged about my blog, your words of wisdom come at the perfect time. Never one for patience (unless it is with a child or a horse,) I realize how important it is to keep working on good content, findng other related blogs, and watching my grass grow!
Thanks again- I look forward to more encouragement from your words of wisdom!
Ken
January 24th, 2008 1:34 am
Hello Darren,
I had been a silent reader, reading through your blog for the past few months. Somehow this post makes me feel that I need to lift up my lazy fingers to post a comment.
Good Job! :)
You had certainly made good efforts to create and maintain your blog business. Your blog provides alot of useful information and values for everyone.
This post is one of the content that I will remember with my heart.
Brian
January 24th, 2008 2:00 am
Maybe making money from blogs and other websites just got a big bit easier. Check out my site and ” Get Paid For Every Visitor”
Sangesh
January 24th, 2008 2:19 am
Hey Darren, You’ve now been a business tycoon if I’m not wrong. ;)
since wall street journals also have started to feature you. well it’s kinda goodwill to you as well. and yes, as you have also mentioned that lady luck has always favored you. hope this will be the story of the future as well.
best of luck to you.
Cheers.
theblackactor.com
January 24th, 2008 2:43 am
Yep; we need a little grounding now and then. This post reminds us.
Justin
January 24th, 2008 3:02 am
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve only just started blogging, and while I do plan eventually to turn it into a living, I’m not even trying to monetize my site yet. I’m just writing and learning.
Here’s really why I like this post, though: When I’ve mentioned I’d like to blog for a living to most people who I know, they all say “It’s really hard to make money at that.” And they say it in that tone which says, “so why bother?” Thank you for being the kind of person who says yes, it’s hard, now go for it.
shy guy
January 24th, 2008 3:06 am
I like about Luck…
Yes.. Something after a hard work not guarantee we can get what we want…
THis is good story for desperate blogger like me… Huhuhuhuhuhuhuhu
Clay
January 24th, 2008 3:21 am
I just QUIT MY JOB to start blogging and am hoping to make a living at it within a year.The reality is quite sobering, however. I’m posting daily statistics about my expenses, hours spent blogging, etc. at http://www.sixfigureblogexperiment.com/ .The numbers aren’t pretty. I’m often working 18-hour days and gaining subscribers is difficult. I am still optimistic, however.
~Clay
Andrew
January 24th, 2008 3:31 am
Good work as usual. Thanks for the reminder.
Jeff - buzzmyblog.com
January 24th, 2008 3:34 am
Hey Darren. Great post. I just wanted to let you know that I found it very inspiring. I mentioned it in my most recent post. It was the perfect way for me to wrap up the post!
Thanks again for the great advice!
Eric
January 24th, 2008 3:58 am
Making money someday would be nice but for now I am just having to much fun writing to worry about it.
Always good to be into a project for more than one reason.
Money often comes easier when you focus on bigger goals.
Jesse Hines, Vigorous Writing
January 24th, 2008 4:09 am
I think all new bloggers should take away this from Darren’s post, which is the same advice I see from most successful bloggers–blog about something you truly care about, write well, provide interesting content, and be consistent.
Over time, you very well make money. But focus on content, content, content.
Andrew
January 24th, 2008 4:12 am
What?!? You mean I can’t write for two hours a day and make gobs of money?
Thanks for providing a backstory to the Wall Street Journal Post. It’s good to have our reality on straight.
Lisa Angelettie
January 24th, 2008 4:31 am
Great post Darren. While I am a BIG believer in blogging - I think that it will only serve as the only source of income for a few hard working bloggers as your self.
For the rest - it should probably serve as a critical part of their overall marketing efforts for whatever it is they do or sell. And as someone else said earlier - as a lead generator.
By the way, having worked in traditional news for years - it is a coup that you were mentioned in the WSJ article. Congrats!
Chirag
January 24th, 2008 4:48 am
i think you are a great man because great man can only do such great things.. I think you are a genius thank for your regularly updates you are really good friends
Pensacola Real Estate News
January 24th, 2008 5:36 am
I blog for real estate leads, which lead to money. I’ve been doing it for close to 5 months now. No leads yet. I didn’t really expect it to happen too fast, but I am approaching page 1 of Google. The thing is, leads or not, I love writing blogs. I believe it will be a long term labor of love. Others in my area have seen how well it is doing in the search engines, and say they are going to start one and get in on the action, so to speak. So far, no one has even started. Once they see the incredible committment of time and effort involved, I think they will not be as excited.
Britt
January 24th, 2008 5:50 am
Bloggers need to ask themselves if they feel $250,000 a year is a reasonable goal, or if they can live with a lot less. There is a lot to be said for working for yourself, and not having to show your face to a boss at 8:00 five days a week. For someone who primarily thinks of oneself as a creative writer, blogging can simply be a way to maintain a comfortable living doing something one loves. How many people can make that claim?
Jacqueline
January 24th, 2008 6:05 am
Congratulations on being in the WSJ, Darren!
And thanks for providing another reality check. It’s too bad that there are so many “get rich quick” sites that this type of thing is necessary, but people will always be drawn to that kind of thing - those sites are telling them what they want to hear.
I think a few people have already mentioned it, but making money indirectly - from consulting and other gigs - is often overlooked. That is how I make money from my blogs (mostly - my fashion blog has a few ads), and I’m a full-time freelancer.
Ruchir
January 24th, 2008 7:31 am
Yes, if you want to be a famous blogger in saturated niches then you have to have patience and you should be in it for the long run. I think the most people get into blogging seeing it as a get rich quick scheme but then get disappointed when they don’t get results quickly and then quit. It’s all about perseverance…
Benjamin Kerensa
January 24th, 2008 11:49 am
Im making a hundred dollars a month on a good month and my unique traffic is increasing and I do take a lot of tips from your blog.
bestofmoney.info
January 24th, 2008 11:53 am
Hi Darren,
Your article is great. As I wrote on my article today (January 23rd) I’m sure you would love to read this book:
The “Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets” from Nassim Taleb
Casey DeLorme
January 24th, 2008 12:46 pm
I think this same list applies to any business or individual looking to promote themselves online (as opposed to those just trying to generate revenue directly via social media). To your list, I’ll add that it helps to have some guidance/expertise handy. You don’t just magically build a sustainable effort (though some do achieve 15 minutes of fame).
The Freelance Writer's Blog
January 24th, 2008 1:24 pm
Darren:
Congrats on getting a mention in the WSJ, and of course, on all of your success.
I use my blog as a promotional tool for my ebooks, website and other freelance writing ventures. It’s been an amazing marketing vehicle for my business overall, but in and of itself, doesn’t produce much income.
I figured out a long time ago that that was never going to happen, so thank goodness never harbored any dreams in that area.
As always, an informative, insightful, real look at how to make money online.
Sincerely,
Yuwanda
Webwatch
January 24th, 2008 2:40 pm
Darren thank you for the eye opener. Actually I have come to the same conclusion independently after a year of occasional blogging. To date I have earned enough to buy me couple of cups of coffee!
Steve Mills
January 24th, 2008 4:37 pm
Hi Darren,
Good response the the journal article. I think people see these figures and get dazzled by the flashing $ signs. Any business takes hard work, and lets face it, also a little bit of luck.
I am just changing the focus of my blog now towards music production and marketing, and I know that with long term persistence I can use the blog as a marketing tool for my services more then a monetization vehicle
Kelvin Woo
January 24th, 2008 9:38 pm
Problogger is really one of the most informative of its kind around. Honest words are just what some of us need. Now that I have some time on my hand but am not quite sure about how to increase readership with my blog.
Will carry on figuring that out. Cheers!
Rosette
January 25th, 2008 12:48 am
Thanks for the great article. I think it also takes a lot of time, patience and perseverance to make blog writing profitable. Perhaps a good theme or keyword is also essential to blogging
ITrush
January 25th, 2008 3:43 am
Very challenging, patience plus hard work equals success.
nhick
http://www.itrush.com
Descartes
January 25th, 2008 4:17 am
Great Post as always.
There are always a few Superstars in every field and people tend to look at them and think, yeah, I can do that. Hey, I wanna be a rockstar.
Like novel writing, I think there are a lot of people who believe they can just mail it in and have big success. Thanks for reminding us that there is a more to it.
Marvin Double
January 25th, 2008 5:37 am
Thanks for this excellent article. I’ve run a number of off line businesses over the last 35 years. Everything I’ve done in my business life, now including marketing online has required significant effort. I think anyone that becomes involved in marketing online, regardless of what they sell, should have a realistic idea of what it really involved.
They will be well served to read and heed the advice of those like Darren who have “been there and done that”. To use an old 60’s catch phrase, “keep it real”.
bestofmoney.info
January 25th, 2008 6:36 am
I wrote an article here http://bestofmoney.info/2008/01/23/darren-rowse-from-probloggernet-our-hero-and-inspiration/
in which I would like to get an answer to this question: “How much would he make if he were to start today without all his supposed luck ?”
Mike Dammann
January 25th, 2008 6:48 am
The most important thing is to have fun doing it, then your readers will have fun reading it.
You try too hard, you will only be able to reach a certain point and then stop.
Curtis
January 25th, 2008 7:25 am
True, true…
Although I only get pocket change, if you can call it that, you have been a pretty big inspiration. Not only do you tell the little guys how to improve… But you also remind us to keep our chin up and keep chugging along.
Thanks
Duncan Longshaw
January 25th, 2008 1:57 pm
Does item #3 have to be true?
I imagine for most bloggers it is- but there are definitely some successful bloggers that aren’t working all week on their blogs. One that springs to mind is James Brausch… who actually outsources the writing of a lot of his blog entries.
If done badly this could really suck, but with strong procedures in place, and good editing and checking procedures etc, I think you could dramatically decrease the time spent, without lowering quality.
Easy Internet Marketing Tips
January 25th, 2008 2:04 pm
This is great advice and very true. If you want to make money by blogging you have to be in it for the long haul. So many people start a blog and they update it once or twice and then stop completely because they see no results.
Gerri
January 25th, 2008 3:13 pm
Congrats on the article Darren.
I like the way you outlined that it isnt something that will come about just like that. People should realise that they cant just wake up one day and say they are going to start a blog to make money and start making it from the get go.
It will take time and a lot of hard work and you look like some who puts a lot of work into what you do and you are reaping the rewards.
Keeping doing what you do.
ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY.
entrepreneur opportunity
January 25th, 2008 6:32 pm
I guess the hype of getting rich or making blogging as a means of livelihood is worldwide specially when media gets into it.
Chances and luck have a great impact on blogging. It’s like any other kind of business venture. You have to be “in the right place at the right time”.
Thanks Darren for this wonderful post and that gives me more confidence.
Sandra
January 25th, 2008 7:12 pm
Darren, thanks for sharing. (Congrats on the article mention.) Hard work indeed. I started writing on one blog about eight months ago and barely made anything but had fun doing it. Now it’s up to about a hundred a month. I have a couple more on the go now but the income isn’t worthy of mention yet.
Every month it gets better. Your post was encouraging to me as well.
Ayopeju Falekulo
January 25th, 2008 10:40 pm
You are so right Daren, it takes hardwork, luck and much more to make a blog viable. I’ve been blogging for five months now, and know that if I was in it to get rich quick I would have dropped the blog by now. But blogging takes a willingness to work, learn and keep trying daily, one step at a time.
One question though, is the 250K net or gross, because that distinction makes a huge difference yet again to the reality check factor.
Oscar
January 26th, 2008 3:45 am
Hi Darren,
Great post. I make a brief in my spanish blog. I am beginning, two months blogging, just centering in having fun. Some people center in earn money and they give up soon when they do not see results.
I will keep reading, I am learning lot of things from you. Keep writing please.
Jim M
January 26th, 2008 5:18 am
Very well said. Effort + Luck + few years = revenue
Congrats on your latest achievement.
The Next Wave
January 26th, 2008 9:34 am
I completely agree. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make a blog that earns a decent amount of money with due time.
I made this sad realization not too long ago. My blog, to me, is a long term project and a learning experience all together. I will continue to find and write quality posts while reading and learning about how to improve it.
I think I have done well for the time I have had it up, though it does take a lot of work. It is a fact that I am starting to get used to.
Mike Dammann
January 26th, 2008 9:39 am
250k is really not that much considering the traffic of this blog. I do believe the actual number is way higher. Not that it´s any of my business though, so just thinking out loud. ;)
Gisele B. from myBeautyMatch.com
January 26th, 2008 4:59 pm
Darren,
Thank you for being so honest and yes, the last point is true…it is depressing to a certain point because like the last video you shot…blogging is like watchin grass grow which means it will take time to make money.
I’m now working 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet and that’s not really happening all that much since a lot of my jobs on contracts and they are up and down.
That said, I really love the niche I’m in and the idea of a 9-5 is more than I can deal with mentally…
I think it’s important for new bloggers to know that it is a lot of work and will take 2-3 years to get anywhere.
@ Dave scoobyphotos.com - I really like your sense of creativity in describing the (real) life of a blogger.
Gisele
Tinh
January 27th, 2008 1:30 am
Great one, I think it is true at all time not only with blogging work but also with any business, money is not easy to get at all. Thanks
Internet Junkie
January 27th, 2008 3:03 am
It’s great to see that popular bloggers like you are starting open the eyes of their readers.
As the hype of blooging for money cools down a little, everyone will start to realize that there are NO GET RICK QUICK schemes out there (I mean the ones where you won’t end up behind bars).
Andrea >> Become a consultant
January 27th, 2008 6:10 am
One thing that seems to be missing is the cost of goods/services sold. You can earn $250k but not profit $250k. You can earn $250k but keep most of that money in the business. You can earn $250k, but pay out that much or more to partners, freelancers, service providers, advertising agencies and the like.
Andrea >&