Don’t Start a Blog to Make Money

First off, I cannot say how much blogging has changed my life (for the better) but I love it.  I started blogging in August 2008 to share my money-saving tips and various ways I make money online.  All of my friends and family would bug me all the time so I figured a website that anyone could look at anytime would be perfect.  I quickly changed my focus to product reviews because I have always been someone who loves to share my opinions and I am a very organized person.

I did NOT start my blog to make money.  I actually did not realize you could make money through blogging.  I have always blogged from my heart with no objective other than to share my thoughts and ideas.  Had I started my blog with the sole purpose of making money, I don’t think it would be as successful as it is today nor would I have the passion for it as I do.  I think I’d dread blogging after awhile.

Is there money to be made from blogging?  Yes.  Do I do various things with my blog to make money? Yes.  But I grew into that and it is not (nor will it ever be) my main focus.  I write sponsored posts, mention affiliates, or put up advertising on my sidebars in exchange for money but believe me it is not a lot.  I pretty much pay for the groceries each month with what I earn, and honestly I am fine with that.  Blogging is my hobby and I am happy to make anything (or nothing) from it.

I have heard so many times “Oh I am going to start a blog to pay the bills.”  Yes I think there is money to be made out thtere but it will not happen overnight, or even in the beginning of your blogging career.  You need to grow your readers, find your niche, and establish yourself before anyone will want to pay you anything.  Blogging can also be a lot of work so you have to keep that in mind as far as hours you put into it to see if blogging for money is really worth it.