How to Monetize Your Blog

I know I am not a “bloggers blog” but, recently I have been asked by several bloggers how I monetize my blog, AKA, how I make money. There are several answers and many ways I get a source of income from the blog and today I am sharing how you can monetize your blog…that’s if you have a blog, and if you don’t you can keep scrolling for outfit details!

HOW CAN YOU MONETIZE YOUR BLOG?

The #1 source of my income is collaborations with brands. I work very hard to provide unique ideas and unique ways to wear an outfit. I have also made sure to stay true to my brand and my voice that allows my readers, or followers to trust that what I say is truthful and always honest. So how else can we monetize?

• Networks – There are SO many networks out there and so many that you can apply to be a part of. A few of my favorites are; Collectively, Find Your Influence, Tidal Network, and Clever Girls. You also have elite agencies (that’s just what I call them) like Silkworm Social who you are able to work with one to one. I have been working with Silkworm for the past few months and LOVE the girls so much. Note: A few networks do have requirements on how many times you need to be posting, or a minimum of monthly page views you need to have.
• Working directly with brands. This is my biggest source of income (like I have already mentioned). How much should you charge? Well, that’s a good question, and there is no right or wrong answer, but my suggestion is to know your worth. Also, remember at the end of the day if you agree to post that t-shirt or those shoes, you will have to pay taxes on it. So is a free shirt or jeans worth paying taxes? Could you have just bought the item yourself? All those questions are important to ask yourself. I know it’s easy to say yes to anything in the beginning because you just want SOMETHING. Be mindful of your brand, and again… know your worth, the value of your voice and what you bring to the table. This a good calculation on how much you should be charging.

• Affiliate links. Depending on your readership, this one may vary for you. You will have to learn if your readers like to buy items, or do they like to click just to take a peak? Shop Style will pay based on clicks and it’s easy to apply and get accepted. With RewardStyle you can make a commission only when your readers buy an item. To Join RS you do have to apply to get accepted. I applied twice and it took over six months to get accepted. Other Affiliate programs include Share a Sale and Skimlinks, and Commission Junction Many stores also have affiliate programs like Nordstrom or Amazon. I, however, keep it minimal, or else it’s just too much to keep up with.
• Ads. Here you also have many different networks. You have Google Adsense or my favorite, monumetric. I did pay the $99 to sign up, and I quickly made that money back in less than two weeks. With monumetric you get paid based on your RPM (Revenue per 1,000 impressions).

One thing I want you to share is I didn’t make money AT ALL in my first year blogging. I wish I had someone telling me not to settle for less or for a t-shirt, but you live, and you learn. It took a lot of work, perseverance, and determination to make Uptown into what it is today. Be patient with yourself, and don’t forget why you started. Above all, don’t settle for money or anything for that matter. Stay true to yourself and your brand. Work hard, and it will come!

If you are a new blogger and needing help, message me! I am always here to help. Also, if you need more blog tips, you can visit here and here for more!

Thank you so much for stopping by, have a great one!