Written on January 23rd, 2008 at 05:01 am by Darren Rowse

A Reality Check about Blogging for Money

Featured Posts, Miscellaneous Blog Tips 239 comments

Reality Check

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.

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239 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

    ——————————————————————————–

    While trying to retrieve the URL: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/01/23/a-reality-check-about-blogging-for-money/

    The following error was encountered:

    Unable to forward this request at this time.
    This request could not be forwarded to the origin server or to any parent caches. The most likely cause for this error is that:

    The cache administrator does not allow this cache to make direct connections to origin servers, and
    All configured parent caches are currently unreachable.
    Your cache administrator is lee@b5media.com.
    ”

    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 >> Become a consultant

    January 27th, 2008 6:12 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.

    For example, I have a friend who earns as much from her business as I do. However, she spends 4% of earnings on advertising, has an accountant, has a lawyer, has a childcare provider, attends tradeshows, travels for business and so on. I have very few expenses. So, although it looks like we’re earning the same amount, I’m actually the one making a lot of money. My profit margin is much bigger.

  • bestofmoney.info

    January 27th, 2008 7:53 am

    Someone asked: “Does item #3 have to be true?”
    Well it seems that for some bloggers don’t have to:
    RichTwinPoorTwin said they were havig regular job and worked 1 or 2h per day cashing out 200000$ every 2 months.

    But sad story they get banned from Google Adsense ( see my last article on my blog “Being banned from Google Adsense: are you prepared for the “Butterfly Effect”?” )

  • curly@csat.binc.net

    January 27th, 2008 12:01 pm

    blogging rocks

  • Nick

    January 27th, 2008 12:59 pm

    That is a great post that speaks volumes as to the realities of blogging. Its LONG and HARD work, and like anything else in life… No Guarantees!!!

  • Max Whitson

    January 27th, 2008 4:07 pm

    I think that the number one reason for failure when it comes to making money by blogging is just the lack of commitment. Most people don’t understand that blogging is for the long term and not the short term.

    It also takes more work than people want to do or what people think. Blogging is not something that you should take lightly. You have to be determined to work hard and not give up.

  • Michele L. Tune - Writing the Cyber Highway

    January 27th, 2008 4:19 pm

    Thank you for your honesty, Darren. It’s much easier to keep going when you know how difficult it will be and that it won’t happen in a few weeks or overnight.

    Persistence and dedication are key to most any success, I think.

  • B Carter

    January 28th, 2008 12:14 am

    I love this post. I’ve been involved in various online business ventures for the last 10-12 years.

    I often look back and think of where I’d be right now if I wouldn’t have given up after 3 months of frustration because I was expecting the money to start rolling in overnight, as most people that read this blog know, it just doesn’t happen that way.

    I think everyone is often too quick to holler “SCAM” when they realize that they have to put some hard work into an online business in order for themselves to make any money and if they don’t make anything within 2 days they are freaking out. I know many expectations are built upon the advertising of the “Get Rich Quick” e-books, but people need to realize that money will not just roll in because you are willing it to happen.

    It took me 7 years to learn that lesson and it was a difficult one to learn; but after that lesson was embedded in my brain I started to have success with my online business ventures.

  • Mr.NiceGuy

    January 28th, 2008 6:02 am

    Excellent post Darren. Yes, I agree with you. Blogging success is not meant for everyone. Of course many would try because of the hype other bloggers seem to portray about their income - but only very few would succeed., Afterall, it is on how much effort and dedication you have shared in your blog that counts. Just like in basketball, many would play in the league but only one becomes the MVP.

  • Kate - Undress4Success.com

    January 28th, 2008 7:42 am

    Great post Darren. It’s nice to hear the truth. Everyone wants to hear about how easy it is, even if it’s a lie.

    I’m working on a book about telecommuting. Can I include some of your comments here for a section on blogging (with attribution, of course).

  • Making Money Online World

    January 28th, 2008 10:39 am

    Hi Darren,

    I think some of people don’t really realize just how much hard work ,action effort and persistence it takes to actually create your own (luck) money and success.They just see the finished results. Great Post -keep up the good work . :)

  • CFO Yourself

    January 28th, 2008 10:50 am

    Good reminder that everyone who makes a good living works hard at it and getting rich quick is really only for those lucky few who win the lottery. Thanks for the post.

  • Star Life Media

    January 28th, 2008 12:30 pm

    My advice to anyone wanting to make money from blogging or just making money online in general, please make sure that it’s something you like.

    Don’t just throw up a blog about a topic which you think will make but and at the same time not have a passion for what you’re doing.

    My advice is to blog about something you love and provide great content for your readers.

  • Mike Dammann

    January 28th, 2008 1:55 pm

    Create blog posts that you yourself would like to read.

  • Neena (NeenMachine)

    January 28th, 2008 2:26 pm

    Darren,
    These are nice words of inspiration. It is good to know that so many others go through the same obstacles and emotions.

  • CallCenterVet

    January 29th, 2008 2:18 am

    It took me 6 months of blogging before I hit my first highest monthly earnings of over $600 this month. I made half of that on average from the previous months and I reckon I might not be seeing the same figure for the next few months.

    It is a lot of hard work which can handily sustain like a full time job from where I’m located. But I see earning through blogging is not as stable as a full time job.. yet… maybe in a few years.

    I’ve also branched out and started my own domain selling business from the earnings I got from blogging. I figured I should restrict myself from pure blogging as my source of income. Blogging has also paved way for another writing job I was offered by another website. Blogging may not be the myth other people are preaching but it can definitely pave you new opportunities.

  • Make Money Online | David Elefant

    January 29th, 2008 2:29 am

    There are only a few ways to make money on the internet.
    Basically: Advertising, Services and Products.

    Most people go after advertising as their main source of income for a blog. On the other hand most people give up pretty quickly if they dont enjoy blogging so there goes the income.

  • Elizabette

    January 29th, 2008 11:17 am

    Great article. It’s good, for once, to not hear the bologna dished out by establishment hacks like those responsible for the explosion of the Home Shopping Network.

  • rodel

    January 29th, 2008 2:08 pm

    usually people give up because they actually don’t have the plans in mind on what are the key steps to look forward to in blogging. Like simply putting up little milestones for the month these bloggers failed to do that..

    more and more bloggers also feel depress because they fell to hit their target for the month. in short they were never contended of what they have right now. well, human as we are we don’t settle for what we have now..

    in some cases also, i doubt if passionate bloggers have updated blogs. a lot of bloggers claimed that they were earning a lot from their blogs because of passion. that’s pure lie. updated blogs are owned by money motivated bloggers. one updates his/her contents for him not to loss readers and in turn loss money.

    to sum things up, i would highly suggest new bloggers to look forward for passion in this case probability of failure is lesser compared to money motivated blogs. but of course a lot of money motivated blogs has succeed. no question about that .. but if you don’t want to suffer like what other bloggers had already.. be passionate for a start.. updating contents almost everyday is not about passion i tell you..

  • David Risley

    January 29th, 2008 2:37 pm

    Couldn’t agree more. I make my living with my blog site, but this is very much a full time job.

  • DaveS

    January 29th, 2008 3:11 pm

    I just started my blog and I am already finding that it is a ton of work, I am glad to see that working hard pays off.

  • Blends

    January 29th, 2008 4:03 pm

    I agree with you Darren. Blogging not the easy way to make money. If some one try blogging just for money they will stay blogging just for a while.

  • Chris

    January 29th, 2008 6:43 pm

    Yeah. They kind of just jump to the exciting part–a high dollar figure–without going into the details and the hard work that made it possible.

  • Quality Free WordPress Themes

    January 30th, 2008 12:57 am

    For sure. It takes a ton of time ramping up your blog (especially if it’s a new one) and the competition is fierce. There are way too many “Make Money Online” blogs out there with only a few clear leaders like Darren and John Chow.

    For me the fun is actually starting a blog and watching it grow. I’m not a great writer so maintaining it is where I struggle.

    ~David

  • RT Cunningham

    January 30th, 2008 4:17 am

    How do you add to a great article? Well, I can’t. I can say this, though. Darren is absolutely right about expectations versus reality. During my approach to the two year mark, I’ve thought about giving up blogging many times, and it doesn’t even have anything to do with money.

    The competitive pressure, if you let it affect you, can do as much to cause depression as the lack of making money. I’ve been there, several times.

  • Catherine Lawson

    January 30th, 2008 6:17 am

    It’s great that you share this and advise people to be realistic Darren. There are too many bloggers out there who try to encourage others that they can make money from blogging overnight.

  • Wendy

    January 30th, 2008 9:15 am

    Sooo appreciate your honesty here… I have to think it will help a lot of people… if they listen to you that is.

    I know that there are high expectations for people when it comes to making money blogging and sometimes those expectations are borderline ridiculous.

    I make a couple hundred a month… have made as much as $600 a month, but it fluctuates a lot and has sooo much to do with how much time I’m willing to invest into my blogs. It is hard work, you’re so right about that. Anyone who thinks blogging is a lazy man’s way to riches is very foolish indeed.

  • Glen Allsopp

    January 30th, 2008 11:18 am

    I liked the images at the top and bottom of this, very original

  • Money Never Sleeps

    January 30th, 2008 12:14 pm

    Hi Darrin, this is a great post. But I personally don’t think what the Wall Street Journal said….or didn’t say for that matter is misleading…I think the reader will be intrigued and want to find out more. This is great for all of our “Make Money Online” type of blogs! The first thing most people need to know is that making money is a constant hustle….a constant hustle! Thats why I named my blog Money Never Sleeps. Darrin you are a true hero and pioneer…keep up the great work friend!

  • Credit Card Offers Blog

    January 30th, 2008 2:51 pm

    So true. I just started my blog and I can see that it is not easy to come up with fresh new content and topics, but nevertheless I can see how it can be a fun and addictive prospect. I say if you love writing about the topics you love, in due time it will pay off. Great article! Not a downer one bit, but a very realistic perspective on the subject.
    Word!

  • Brian Zafron

    January 30th, 2008 3:19 pm

    But like pro Sports, pro Blogging isn’t something people should give up if they REALLY want it.

    I guess that’s typically just what parents say to their kids, so forgive me if sound too much like your father…. but it’s true… don’t let the torch die, baby!

  • Darren Rowse

    January 30th, 2008 8:20 pm

    wow thanks everyone for the comments on this one - quite overwhelming. I really do appreciate your feedback and encouragement.

  • Webber

    January 31st, 2008 1:33 am

    Wow, thats a reality check for sure.

    I would love to reach to a point where ur. Yes, not easy way but with all due efforts and hard way.

    Cheerz
    Webber

  • Mom2Miles

    January 31st, 2008 2:48 am

    Thanks for filling in the blanks, Darren. I also get annoyed with those stories that go, “So and so started out with nothing and today makes 6 figures!” Um, so what happened in between? No I know! Still, it’s nice to know what’s possible. I was happy to earn $50 from the ads on my blog! Now I can raise my sights. :)

  • un57opabl3

    January 31st, 2008 4:02 am

    Agree.. it’s not so easy like “they” describes..

  • Ebony Jones

    January 31st, 2008 12:55 pm

    Thanks for the reality slap. Sometimes we need it.

    It’s so easy to get discouraged. You write posts you think are pithy and fun to read, but no one reads them.

    You post and post and your numbers barely move. And of course no traffic no cash.

    Lately I have been a little obsessed with our stats…trying to wean myself off of that since like you note…it takes time to build readership.

    It’s hard not to be impatient.

  • Harris

    February 1st, 2008 4:50 am

    I’ve found it very difficult to make money blogging. I reached $100 with Google Adsense pretty quickly, but then they claimed fraud and canceled me, even though I never violated the TOS. Now I’ve tried a new approach of having people write for me, and I hope it pays off soon. I don’t know of too many other comedy/comics sites with multiple writers.

    http://www.mindfeck.info

  • Arham

    February 1st, 2008 4:56 am

    like what U mentioned “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.”

    my friend is being very very disappointment for adsense, he think , he could be get an easy money from internet without monetize and just registered and display the adsense for his blog.

  • Arham

    February 1st, 2008 5:07 am

    @haris
    I believed google have some theory to determine what do you do on your ads. then their put their cookies on your PC , track your IP & ethernet then analysis for your Click graphic.

  • Jack Payne

    February 1st, 2008 8:07 am

    Confucius say: Man who sit on tack get point. You do have a way of pounding home your points. No wonder your Blog is so successful.

  • Jack Payne

    February 1st, 2008 8:09 am

    One hundred seventy three comments on a blog piece? That’s insane. I’m happy as a kid with a new toy when I pass 20.

  • Robert Brown

    February 1st, 2008 10:55 am

    He’s right you know.

    I’ve been blogging for about a year and although I am earning ‘alright’ money, I’m a long way away from making a living from it. At least I am heading in the right direction- slowly.

  • Milford MA Real Estate

    February 1st, 2008 11:25 am

    I am a realtor who loves to blog about my local area. Do I make money doing it yes and no. Do I directly get paid for it - certainly not. Do I get rewarded down the road because someone reads my blog and likes my voice and then decides they would like my Real Estate expertise - absolutely. Since I started my Real Estate blog in July I have gotten 5 listings and 4 or 5 buyer clients. I have received two more “inquiries” just this week that may turn into a listing and a buyer client. Blogging and Real Estate go hand in hand. I am lucky because there are very few Realtors in Massachusetts who are blogging. I know this will change at some point.

  • Lakshmi

    February 1st, 2008 3:15 pm

    This is a hard truth but I get so depressed sometimes that despite my full efforts to make my blog get better with quality contents I still land up getting disappointed. I learnt one thing from this post of yours that I need to wait patiently to get more popular among bloggers. To add to it, I have been into serious blogging only for a few months now. I will keep my fingers crossed and continue to do my work.

  • Jeba

    February 2nd, 2008 2:57 am

    Those are some facts lets face it..

    Sometimes you have to be at the right place at right time!!

  • MakeMoneyOnline

    February 2nd, 2008 8:58 am

    The internet has made it easier for entrepreneurs to start a business indeed, but that does not mean there isn’t work to be done, quite the contrary. An online business implies a lot of work and time. Those blogger ‘gurus’ are fast to showing you their big revenue figures implying that all happened overnight. What they don’t disclose is the amount of money they usually spend on setting up their sites, the cost of advertising, and the time and effort involved on building their blogs. - Javier.

  • Natalie

    February 2nd, 2008 9:13 am

    As a songwriter & writer, i’m pretty much used to the odds being stacked up against me earning money, and blogging is no different ;-)

  • PCLoadLetter

    February 2nd, 2008 10:16 am

    Money is Great! Everyone loves money. But lets face it, if you want a good site, write about your passion. If you are lucky and interesting, yes you could potentially make some money.

    But if you don’t enjoy what you are writing about, it will become a job and not an obsession. Face it, the great sites are from people obsessed about the topic.

  • Amit Ganguly

    February 3rd, 2008 1:38 am

    Thanks, for posting such an interesting topic. I am a newbie blogger. I am a handicapped and unemployed person, looking forward to earn from home.

  • Jody Mitoma

    February 3rd, 2008 2:23 pm

    This post is excellent.

    Thank you very much for sharing what you’ve been told and what you’ve come to notice about blogging and making money.

    My goal is to make just 5% of what ProBlogger makes per year. Even that will make me happy. :]

  • Esp

    February 5th, 2008 12:26 pm

    What a great post. While I have been preparing to start up my first proper blog, I have done quite a bit of research into the monetizing potential (or lack thereof). My blog is created out of a love for the theme (cars), but if pocket money can be earned as bonus, I would naturally gladly accept that. However, almost all the posts I have read regarding monetization have been suspiciously positive. It’s nice to see a post like this that tells me my skepticism isn’t totally unfounded. Reading JohnChow.com has also been of much help.

  • Julie Francis

    February 6th, 2008 2:35 pm

    This is a true headmasters “reality check” with a big rap on the knuckles so people pay attention. A business is a business, it takes time to build and hard work to maintain.

    Yet its wonderful to see from these comments that people haven’t gone and thrown themselves of the top of high buildings but are just quietly agreeing that, yes its hard, and then getting on with the job.

    It’s such a nice dream, to write some articles and make a mint. The truth about marketing is it’s a nightmare of organisation that eats time and twists your common sense.

    So the one solid positive that has come from this thread is the agreement that only the combination of passion for a topic and a love of writing makes blogging worthwhile.

    Taking up blogging is pointless without them. But if these two facets are already cut and you’re going to be blogging anyway, you may as well make the best damn blog you can.

    With that in mind, thanks for the tips and tricks you consistently share with those of us engaging in this madness.

  • Aaron

    February 12th, 2008 10:26 am

    Interesting information. I’m blogging more just to practice writing.I’d like to eventually get into technical writing. I find it interesting that people are drawn to the idea of making a lot of money with little or no work. Even a professinal blogger still has to work for his money :-)

  • Linda

    February 15th, 2008 10:10 am

    Great article. I disagree. Blogging for money doesn’t have to be hard. It’s hard if one wants to do it on their own without asking entrepreneurial coaches for help. They’ll save one time by giving tips like check your traffic stats and keywords to see what people look for. That lets you write what people want to read. Another example is have affiliate links and useful info.

  • David Gonzales

    February 28th, 2008 9:10 am

    Oh shoot, and to think I left my full-time job haphazardly for this… OH man.

  • RevResponse

    March 5th, 2008 5:56 am

    Great post Darren…this should certainly help to provide some insight into what it takes to get to your level.

  • Héctor

    March 8th, 2008 3:13 pm

    Darren,

    thanks for this information. Yes, you’re right it’s very easy to get into blogging with false expectations that by having presence on Internet is equal to quiting one’s job almost immediately…in matters of weeks or few months. It’s good to have people like you sharing this kind of experience. My my blog…I’m facing the truth :)

    Héctor

  • P.R.E.Z.

    April 1st, 2008 9:53 pm

    Well I’m the odd man out to an extent. I believe in everything Darren said….except the luck part. I don’t believe in luck and I don’t believe in coincidences.

    I’m blessed to be able to write and I know that if I work hard at whatever I do, educate myself, and persevere, I’ll be successful. However, it depends on what your definition of success is. If you think success is making a six figure income, you have a long road to tow. If you think success is making a five figure income, you have less to tow but you still have a lot of work to do.

    A wise man once said, “Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

    If money is your motivation, prepare to be disappointed. But if you do it because you’re passionate about writing and what you write about, you’ll make it. Keep on keepin on.

    God bless.

  • John Stewart

    April 23rd, 2008 12:51 am

    Great post!

    I concur with the majority of responses above, a cracking read, great to see an article where the ‘hype’ of making ludicrous amounts of money through blogging is removed.

    I think you really have to love what you’re blogging about, in order to maintain your interest in blogging once the initial excitement of blogging wears off.

    Kudos to you!

    John.

  • Taylor

    April 30th, 2008 3:57 am

    It’s funny you say number 2 because I was actually going to write an article about it. If anyone would had started blogging back in the day and they know what we do today… Well heck. They would be on top of the world right now.

    I guess your site’s a good example. But you do have good content so it kind of evens out. You deserve to be where you are.

    Isn’t crazy though? That to think if you just started blogging a few years later, I may not be here leaving you a comment right now?

    That’s crazy.

  • Sergio Raya

    May 11th, 2008 3:00 am

    I’m new to blogging so thanks for all the hard work you guys do in keeping guys like me in a “reality check.”

  • eva

    May 26th, 2008 1:47 pm

    really?is there a chance for a blog talking about the way of making money?

  • Brisbane web designer

    June 19th, 2008 3:37 pm

    I suspect the real money in blogging is writing about it and doing the speaking circuit. Nice post Darren.

  • Bryan Hee

    June 24th, 2008 4:34 am

    Thanks for sharing about the “truth” and “behind the scene” of blogging. Many myth about get rich quick from blogging is not truth.

    Readership is very important to determine the success or failure. Fresh contents is the lifebloog for the blogs.

    Focus, Consistent, Persistent and Perseverance are key success factors for the bloggers to gain the readership and thus profit from blogging.

    To Your Success
    Bryan Hee

  • Laser hair removal

    June 30th, 2008 1:37 pm

    I wonder if it’s possible to make money by treating a blog like realestate

    ie. Buy a domain, install a blog, write or get some content written promote the blog, sell blog to investors.

    It would be nice to hear any stores about this approach.

  • Sean Welton

    July 22nd, 2008 11:16 pm

    This post should be given to every new blogger! ;)

    Sean

  • Gadget

    August 2nd, 2008 3:13 am

    Well, best get and early start!

  • Australian Web Directory

    August 13th, 2008 11:05 am

    I think the real money in blogging is talking about it rather than doing it :)

    There’s a huge demand for training in blogging. Do they teach blogging at TAFEs and universities? No. Should they? Yes!

  • Sales Training

    August 19th, 2008 11:44 am

    No, I don’t believe tertiary institutions have caught up with blogging and other web 2.0 concepts yet in their marketing and communications courses.

  • Nappy_Rash

    August 28th, 2008 5:52 am

    Sir, I have to agree with you here. I think there are better was to make money if you can write well and about interesting things. Traditional journalism is one obvious option of course.

  • RSA online

    September 20th, 2008 7:05 pm

    The blog riches rush is very much like the gold rushes of the past. Only a very few lucky and hardworking individual get the wealth, but thousands give it a go.

    What’s the blogging equivalent of picks, spades and denium jeans? Templates, plug-ins and books about blogging?

  • Make Money Online

    September 27th, 2008 7:36 am

    Reality hurts, even though some bloggers give their effort it doesn’t to make any results.

  • Jim

    October 1st, 2008 4:00 am

    Thanks for your honesty. The reality check puts the topic on course for those like me who haven’t yet jumped on the blog bandwagon.

  • Affinity Celebrants

    October 5th, 2008 6:46 pm

    Very useful post. I guess I won’t be giving up my day job some time soon. I’ve often thought blogging has been over-hyped as a source of income. It’s a nice hobby, but I wouldn’t want to live of it.

  • Tressa

    October 19th, 2008 1:21 pm

    Hi, I enjoyed your article. I have been blogging for a about a year and a half. All my blogs but one have died in my process of learning.

    I have since started a new blog which I hope will be successful, but you are right you always have to have great content and market your blog. I have been blogging for free for almost two years, but I enjoy it. congrats on your success.

    T
    http://www.traffic101.org

  • Parantar

    November 5th, 2008 10:34 pm

    i want also to blog for money but i can’t make a dollar per day. hehe

  • MD

    November 9th, 2008 4:21 am

    I started my blog because i figure its better to spend your down time on writing about something you enjoy, rather than reading celebrity gossip.

    An article that I wrote on my blog is somewhat related to this post. I feel that too many young people are looking for ways to “get rich quick.” When in fact anyone that is rich has worked hard for it (aside from lottery winners and people who inherited money)

    The sad truth is that people who are offering advice on how to get rich quick are not actually rich (suprising eh?) these people get rich by selling “get rich quick” ideas and books..

    The one in a million people that got rich “quick” will attribute their success to hard work, passion, and a clear vision of where they were headed… Just my opinion…

  • Half Marathon Training

    November 22nd, 2008 5:49 pm

    I too am a suspect of your article. It is way harder than anyone talks about and it takes 10 times more work than most invest.

    I think that an approach that can be successful is to just write because you are actually passionate about the topic you are writing about, and then the rest will fall into place (with luck and good timing of course).

    anyway, good article.

  • Hajib

    November 30th, 2008 11:50 pm

    I agree with you Darren… but i’m quite sure if we working hard, we will success… no such easy money….

  • Adarsh

    December 9th, 2008 7:58 am

    Very true. I started off as a money minded blogger. But now i realize my mistake. Now i am looking at my blog in a more ethical manner. Monetizing my blog is not the only aim i have in mind now. Thanks to my experience and your posts

  • Shafar

    December 13th, 2008 12:23 am

    Very Interesting article…

  • Timon Weller

    December 13th, 2008 11:41 pm

    It is hard work, and there is no easy roads as well, but it is always worth it… :)

  • Ruth Stewart

    December 29th, 2008 12:20 am

    Great article!

    It’s interesting that there is always an element of luck involved, and a good bit of right time right place.

    I guess like most businesses its good to give it six months to a year to get off the ground before thinking about earning from it.

    I think we are told so much about making money NOW and everything is NOW and we are all worried that we might miss out because everything is a limited offer that we get into the mindset of everything happening instantly.

    Its a case of slow and steady wins the race. A good philosophy. I feel much more chilled out about it now!

    Best wishes,

    Ruth

  • Mike

    December 31st, 2008 11:53 pm

    Great article. Making money online is probably one of the hardest ways to make an easy living.

  • 073

    January 4th, 2009 4:41 am

    You make it sound so easy…thanks anyway but this blogger is leaving with no usefully information, can u believe that? So much info and still - nothing for me.

  • Moonlighter

    January 5th, 2009 1:27 am

    Very good reality check. Just happened to write a blog on similar lines today after which I stumbled upon yours. Very true indeed. After a few months of random postings on my blog, it is quite clear to me that to make money one has to approach it as a businessman would and not as a content writer. Good content is always great but spreading the word and getting the audience to stick is certainly hardest. A businessman would find ways to market good offers in order to make money. Some get overzealous and you then see these scamsters with their dragnets spread.

  • Dave Freedman

    January 9th, 2009 2:02 pm

    Fact #2 says “It takes luck.”
    I contend that luck has absolutely nothing to do with it.
    A former pitcher with the Chicago Cubs, Scott Sanderson, said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

  • Lisa

    January 11th, 2009 5:23 am

    I’ve discovered blogging has potential. I made the mistake of trying to do too many blogs at once, so now I’m combining two blogs into one. I even bought my own domain name. Now I will have two totally different, but focused blogs. That’s easier to manage. One of my blogs feeds into my website that I’ve had for several years. The other blog I’ve added a forum to try and expand the conversation. It’s new, so time will tell. I understand it takes time to build up an audience. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the necessity for a newsletter. You’ve got to build a list. It took me 70,000 visitors before I figured that one out on my website, but now I get it.

  • Tyler Toone

    January 29th, 2009 6:03 am

    Darren, thanks for the reality check - more than anything it makes me realize what a lazy turd I am for not blogging more consistently on the blogs I manage. Oh well, I suppose I need to add that to my resolutions and kick it in high gear to make something happen. Anyhow, thanks for the great post and the reality check.

  • Hi

    February 6th, 2009 5:00 am

    Hi, I’m Raven and all I want to make is $500-$800 a month. Do you think that’s feasible or am I way off base. Any suggestions…Thanks.

  • Business for Sale

    February 7th, 2009 11:03 am

    Hi Raven. yes, it’s feasible, but it won’t be easy. I think the best way to make money is to have a product of your own. Adwords and other advertising networks are getting less and less worth the effort. I know some people with niche blogs with a Google PR 4 or better who make $100 - $300 per month from text link ads. It took them a year or two to get to that stage, but once you get there it’s reasonable easy to maintain with a few good post per week.

  • Web design Brisbane

    February 10th, 2009 10:39 pm

    Agree. Your own product or service is the way to go. Or like Problogger, write an excellent book !

  • Blogshot

    February 26th, 2009 11:19 am

    I think the real money is in talking and writing about it rather than actually doing it :) Most of these internet business gurus make their money by promising other how to make money online.

  • Jacob Duchaine

    March 1st, 2009 11:43 am

    Thanks for the reality check. It is a little hard to handle how low the odds of me succeeding even on the level I need. I’m still in a bracket that gives me a hope that I may be able to achieve it, if in this period of my life I expect to sustain myself upon my blog, I need only around $600 each month, and according to you’re post, 8% of blogs manage exactly that, and 22% of money making blogs make that or better.

    I know that I still don’t stand much of a chance in the world of bloggers, but even if I don’t have probability on my side, I still have hope of making at least the money I need to get by during this period of my life.

  • Big Roo

    March 4th, 2009 9:15 pm

    Now if there was just some way to monetize blog comments ProBlogger would be rolling in it. I wonder what the record is for the number of blog comments. Methinks we need a donatetocomment plugin :)

  • regalos originales

    March 8th, 2009 9:18 pm

    What you say is very dissapointing, I’m working hard and im not getting any result. Thank you anyway

  • Roberta

    April 21st, 2009 12:00 pm

    I have a ton of people asking me how I do what I do and thinking they can be a success overnight. That’s the hardest part about explaining what I do for a living. It usually goes something like this: Friend: “I wanna do what you do”. Me: “Well, it takes work. I do this for a living, it pays the bills…” Friend: “Teach me, I have a few minutes” Me: “Wait, what?”

  • Ibrahim | ZenCollegeLife.com

    April 21st, 2009 12:06 pm

    Wait a second. You mean to tell me that I won’t be making millions in a couple of months from my blog, just by having it and showing ads?

    This is an outrage. I knew I should have started a celebrity gossip blog instead of a college student personal development site.

    What was I thinking???

  • Nicole J

    April 22nd, 2009 12:23 am

    This is a great post! I’ve been asked by peers if the reason I started blogging was to make money. and the reality is no…It calls for time that I don’t necessarily have at the moment.
    You offer great insight and a “REAL” look into what blogging for money entails. Maybe one day for me, but definitely not anytime soon. (And I’ll remember everything you’ve said) :)

  • Musa

    April 30th, 2009 4:28 pm

    Good post, I think we shall all eventually get there. Its does take time like you said.

  • CJ

    May 11th, 2009 8:29 am

    You’re not going to make money online overnight regardless of what anyone tells you. I am honestly really sick of people expecting that out of there new ventures because that just isn’t the way that the online industry works. If you want to make money online, it’s completely doable but you need to be patient.

    CJ

    http://www.CjsReview.com

  • Thoughts That Make You Think

    May 28th, 2009 3:29 pm

    If you treat your blog like a business you will not only create a better blog, but you will have a better chance and making money. I’m not saying make it work, i’m saying sit down and plan it out and decide what you want to accomplish. We planned our blog/site from Jan-Easter (april 12 2009) and launched on Easter. We have been steadily gaining popularity each week and we are still going!

    Webmaster; ttmyt.com

  • Casey

    June 1st, 2009 1:32 pm

    I thank you for telling the truth about blogging. That makes a difference to me. Now I know what I may be in for in the future with my blogs.

    Thanks

    I liked your post so I mentioned it to my readers in a blog post because I want them to understand the truth.

    http://www.yolablogger.com/index/how-to-use-a-free-yola-website-to-earn-income-in-one-day-without-spending-one-cent-

  • Goldstar

    June 8th, 2009 3:19 pm

    I wonder if anyone has written a post about Twittering for money :)

  • Dickwave

    June 17th, 2009 11:19 pm

    Not only is earning at blogging difficult. Earning at anything on the net is not easy. Too many tell you it is. But don’t believe that BS. It’s dedication and consistancy in the posting that does it. Just like anything else. Imagine if somebody advertises ” Learn to play all Beethovens piano sonatas in one month. No experience necessary”. Ha ha ha!

  • Anja

    June 20th, 2009 8:09 am

    Earning money blogging is indeed difficult, but blogging is easier than some other jobs and I find it so much more enjoyable.


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