Learning How to Make Money Blogging

There are two major types of business models that entrepreneurs use to make money blogging. The first and most common way to turn a blog into a profit making machine is to sell advertising to different companies and brands who want to reach that blog's readers. The second kind of money making blog is one that helps a single brand improve its image by creating positive associations between the blog and the product in the mind of consumers. Both kinds of blogs can make a lot of money, especially if the creator has a keen mind for marketing.

If you are blogging with the goal of selling advertising, there are two basic ways that you can go about recruiting sponsors who want to put ads on your site; you can let someone else do all of the legwork, or you can do the work yourself and keep all of the revenue.Within the first group, many people make money blogging by selling space through Google's AdSense program. The advantages of this program are numerous, as it requires very little effort on the part of the blogger or webmaster to begin raking in profits. However, most people discover that they make less money through this method than they had hoped that their blog would earn.

Selling advertising directly to companies who want to put banner ads or sponsored links on your blog can take quite a bit of time, but it is often fairly lucrative. If you have a lot of contacts in industries that are related to the topic of your blog, you may want to try to go this route. People who have a strong background in sales and are experienced at pitching Proposals can make quite a bit of money by renting blog space to interested companies. The most serious problem with this model is that you often have to build quite a sizable readership before you can attract advertisers, which can mean that you have to do several months of work before you start to make money blogging.

As blogging becomes a more and more lucrative business, a lot of established companies are considering how they can get into the action. One way that companies are capitalizing on the blog movement is by having blogs that provide a kind of friendly face for their corporation. Often, a company will employ an established blogger to create a weblog designed specifically to appeal to that company's customers and to create positive associations with the brand in consumers' minds. More than one writer who never even dreamed that he or she could make money blogging has been approached by a company and offered quite a pretty penny for this kind of gig.

5 Reasons Why Blogging is the New Internet Marketing Tool

Blogging is a concept that started in late 90s.  It used to be a way to comment an existing webpage, an opportunity for visitors and readers to react or voice out one’s opinion on the said page.  What started as a single-sentence commentary has evolved into pages of personal take on just about anything and everything under the sun.  As it continues to move forward, online advertising has tapped into the blog’s potential.  Here are 5 reasons why you should use blogging as an Internet marketing tool.
 
1.Blogging is simple.  The simplest way to get your piece on the net is through blogging.  No skills are necessary… an average adult can read and type, or at least click a mouse.  It’s like having a virtual piece of paper and you just write your ideas, experiences, new products, and hope that the truth behind your articles comes out and entice your reader to also try your product.  If you have a PC and an Internet connection (who doesn’t?) then you can blog and advertise.

2. Blogging is authentic.  In this day and age where advertising saturate our lives, we question the credibility of promoters’ claims.  However, in blogs, real people share their real-life experiences, unscathed by paid advertising.  Reading blogs about first-hand product use is like talking to people about their first-hand experience.  You definitely want to buy a tried and tested product.

3. Blogging is free.  Because blogging is yet to be proven as a mainstream online advertising media, most sites see it as something to augment current marketing tools and thus offer it for free.   Any opportunity for free webtime is definitely a bonus especially to businesses that are starting up.  Needless to say, paid blog pages can generate more income for your seriously growing business.

4. Blogging builds credibility.  As you get more and more into writing your experiences on a particular product or industry, your readers come to realize that they can depend on your posts for their own information needs.  As such, you become an expert on it; as a consequence, more readers visit your site and more bloggers link to your blogs.  As companies and professional organizations notice the growth of your readership base, they may soon get in touch with you for advertising on your blog page, or make you an affiliate, which pays for every referral generated from your blog site.

5. Blogging builds your market.  Unless you are a Hollywood star, chances are, only your Mom reads your posts.  Mom has a lot of friends, so she lets her friends know how interesting your blog site is.  But you need not depend on Mom to increase your readership base.  Look into the following ways to build your market through blogging:

• By using your e-mail.  Today, blogging is overcoming the e-mail’s popularity in quickly and effectively reaching and expanding a market.  In this age of speed and quick access, logging in and downloading e-mail is simply taking longer than clicking into a blog site.  Let them explore your site by using a short e-mail message as teaser to your blog site.  If your e-mail is on an entirely different subject, use your e-mail signature to give a link to the site.
   
• By using subscription.  An easy way to get your readers e-mail is to give them an opportunity to subscribe to your blogsite.  Keep some exclusive information for your subscribers to entice readers to subscribe and give their e-mail address.  Just be responsible in using their e-mail address, as the last thing you want is a comment on your blog that you are a spammer.
   
• By understanding your readers.  Conduct a simple survey for your readers to understand their profile and advertising preferences.  Ask consumers to give you feedback on a post, an ad link, or a trial that you shared.  In this way, it is like interviewing your readers without the commitment and intrusion of a face-to-face interview.
• By joining a blog network –A network of blogs maybe a collection of blog sites that share the same industry, interest, readership base, payment mode, etc.  Consumers find credibility and convenience in clicking one link to several real bloggers about a single subject.  Clearly, more bloggers are better than one.
• By using RSS. RSS is the fastest growing technology on the Internet today.  As such, having RSS feeds to your blog is definitely another means of generating awareness for your readership base.  Having a variety of feeds can add interest to your blog site. 

Give your business a boost by effectively using blogging as an Internet marketing tool.

BY Saiffuddin Juman

Beginners Guide to Blogging

A blog is basically an online journal wherein you can digitally pen down your thoughts, ideas, opinions and practically anything that you want people to read. Blogs come in different styles, formats, and settings, depending on the preference of the user. Many blogging sites, offer built in features such as hyperlink, straight texts, pictures etc. Some blogging sites, even allow you to put video and mp3's on your blogs.

Instead of writing texts, some bloggers choose to make their blogs more audio friendly, by using spoken word entries. This is called audio blogging.

Basically a blog contains these features:

title- which allows you to label your post

body- this is the content of your post

trackback- other sites can be linked back to your blog

permanent link- every article that you write has a URL

comments- this allow readers to post comments on your blog.

One of the advantages of blogging, is that it is made of only a few templates. Unlike, other websites that is made up of numerous individual pages. This make it easier for blog users to create new pages, because it already has a fix setting that include: slots for title, body of the post, category, etc.

This is especially useful for first time users, since they can start blogging right away. They can chose from a number of templates that blogging websites provide.

Anyone who wants to start a blog can do so by becoming a member of a blogging website of their choice. Once they've become members, they automatically become a part of that particular blogging community. They can browse through other bloggers pages, and link them back to their own blogs. They can also make comments on other members' blogs.

Blogging is not just limited to personal usage. There are a lot of blogs that follow a theme such as: sports, politics, philosophy, social commentary, etc. These blogs espouse on their specific themes. This way blogging becomes a medium in which people can share their knowledge and opinions about a variety of themes and topics.

Some bloggers even use their blogs as a means to advertise. Some authors advertise their books on their blogs. While other bloggers, use their blogs to shed light to currents issues, events, news and catastrophes.

Nowadays in education, blogs also play an important part. Professors use blogging to document the lessons that they have discussed and taught. This way, students who who have missed classes, can easily catch up with their assignments.

A lot of entrepreneurs benefit from blogging by promoting their businesses on their blogs, with millions and millions of people logging onto the net everyday, blogging has become a lucrative move. Some bloggers who run online businesses promote their merchandise online. While others profit through advertisement.

But by far, the most popular blog type is the one that takes the form of a personal journal. This is the kind that is usually used by first time bloggers. Individuals who want to document the daily struggle of their everyday lives, poems, rants, opinions, find that blogging offers them a medium in which to express themselves.

Bloggers usually communicate within themselves. This is one of the appeals of blogging. It creates a community of people sharing their ideas, thoughts, and comments with each other.

Blogs varying in topics, themes, and set-ups, can be found in blog directories. First time users who want to get an idea of what the blogging world is all about can browse through a number of blogs using these directories. This way they'd get an idea of what these blogging communities are like.

Blogging is popular all over the world. Blog is short for the term weblog. There are no rules when it comes to blogging. Bloggers have the freedom to express themselves how ever way they want, and the best thing about blogging, is that most blogging sites are free.

There are numerous blogging websites to choose from in the net. This give first time users the option of joining a blogging community that appeals to their interests.

Just search any blogging directory and you'd get a listing of a lot of blogging sites that are available on the net. It's easy to search a blogging directory, because it is organized according to category. This way you would get exactly what you are after. Blogging is really for everyone. It is fun, simple and easy.

by Saiffuddin Juman

5 Business Killing Blogging Mistakes You're Probably Making

By Erin P Smith

Expert Author Erin P Smith

Blogging is my favorite way to market online.

It might not necessarily be the fastest way to tons of leads, but nothing else I've found has built my brand and established my expertise faster or more efficiently.

However, there are A LOT of new internet network marketers every day setting up blogs (I know, I set up blogs on the side!)

But, if you know what you're doing, it's not that difficult to stand out from the rest and create a loyal following.

Here are 5 mistakes that a lot of bloggers make that you can easily avoid:

1. They don't have an opt in form visible on every page

Many times an opt in might be visible on their home page, but doesn't show up on their individual posts.

Big mistake! People will spend the majority of their time on your posts, and you want that opt in form to be on their mind always.

2. Opt In offer is too bland

Your blog is acting like your capture page, so you have to do everything possible to entice your readers to opt in.

If it says something boring, like "Get secrets here" then your opt in percentage will stink.

Have an offer that really creates a pull to your reader. It's gotta be something that they'll feel left out if they don't get it.

3. No call to action

This one's extraordinarily important, yet pretty darn simple to do.

Your readers are most sold on you when reading your content. So, at the end of each post, it's a great idea to encourage them to do something... like opt in!

It can be as simple as "Like these marketing tips? Subscribe here to get 5 more ways to..."

4. Big blocks of text

This one is overlooked a lot, yet it can have a bigger influence on your readership than you might imagine.

Have you ever flipped through a magazine, and you see a page where they're advertising some type of medication? Sometimes the whole page will be one big block of size 2 text.

Do you ever read those?

Didn't think so. It's that way with your blog too. The more you break up your text and make it softer on the eye (like using bold, italics, and underline), the more appealing your article will look to a reader.

5. Not enough personality!

My blog's best function is to sell people on ME. When people opt in, a lot of times it's because they like who I am and what I offer.

I get people who send me messages on my contact form.

I also sell a lot of blog services through my blog.

And, the number one reason people tell me they take these actions is because they like my blog, what I have to say, and my personality.

For example, you can see that my header is kinda goofy. When I first put that up, I had dozens of people complement me and tell me how much they liked it.

I also made my blog overwhelmingly purple, because I'm obsessed with purple!

My about me page tells tons about me and lets my readers see who I am.

All of those things show my personality. Of course my writing does too, but you can't forget those peripheral elements of your blog that let your personality shine through

If you like these tips, check out the resource box below for more!

To get access to Erin's free video report about how you can generate at least 36 leads per day absolutely for free, visit Erin Smith's MLM Secrets

Article Source: Erin P Smith

10 Reasons Why You Want To Blog

By Kat Wu

A month ago, I was brainstorming very diligently to come up with a worthwhile project before I start school again in the Fall. While it might be a good idea to just rest up before the torture of law school begins, I wasn't about to just idle for 4 more precious months away like I did after graduating. I started to work for a home deco company and was told to update the company's blog. Little did I know, that was the beginning of something very curious for my 23 years of existence. I mean, everyone's heard of blogs, weblogs, RSS and all that good stuff, but it was really something different trying to keep one yourself. Decidedly, I would devote wholeheartedly the time I have before school starts to blog, blog, and blog. There are just some benefits to blogging that's very apparent and applicable to me, and I'd like to share them with you.

Blogging has all but not limited to the following benefits:

1. It forces your brain to work at all times

Since I graduated from college a year ago, my writing has turned rusty. And it's not just my writing that turned rusty, it's my brain-my train of thought-that's gotten even muddier! Now that I have blogs to update, my brain is constantly on the go looking for ideas, absorbing information, filtering information so I could juice up my next blog entry! You're brain is just that much sharper when you keep it running.

2. It forces you to write

Practicing writing is something that I find really hard to do just out of self discipline, yet writing is so important especially in the world today with increasing channels of communication involving writing, I mean less and less people are calling each other now, but shooting each other emails and texts instead. Achieve that clarity in your writing by blogging. WordPress and many other blog hosts provide resources to perfecting and improving your writing. Why not use 'em?

3. It forces you to read

Blogging not only forces you to write, it also forces you to read. And as we know, reading is always good for you! When you hit a writer's block, or simply for the sake of reading other interesting blogs, you're reading a ton of information. To be honest, I don't think I've ever read so much even when in school.

4. It makes you more observant of the world around you

Your surroundings is the single most abundant source of inspiration you have, completely free of charge. You start to notice more details and angles in the world around you. No kidding, I started to take notice of small details of the streets and the people, not willing to let a single light of inspiration pass.

5. Network

I have just became serious about blogging and have yet to meet more people, but what I've learned from reading other blogs' comments is that for the most part people provide constructive criticism and are willing to help one another out. Some even become cherished friends through this platform. Think about it, it's such an easy to way to get to know people who have similar interests and hobbies because our blogs are categorized and tagged.

6. It's a good resume builder

If you keep a good quality blog with good substance, you could potentially spice up your resume with it. The best part is that blog keeping is sort of versatile; you need to be somewhat well rounded enough to be able to keep up a substantial blog, starting from decent writing skills to digital editing skills and a certain amount of social skills. These are all great indicators to your employer that you have what it takes to succeed at the workplace.

7. Get in touch with yourself

This is a chance for you to get to know yourself, understand what your likes and dislikes are, what your hobbies and passion may be, what your working ethic and habits are, and most importantly, your way of thought processing. When I'm blogging, I'm forced to come up with an opinion about stuff, forced to dissect that thought and analyze how and why I feel this way about something. I would say the blogging experience would be close to something like meditation or Zen.

8. Keep up with current events

Well, you don't want to be left behind when it comes to keeping up with fresh ideas that would potentially be an incredible blog entry, so there's an incentive to read up more on current events. I hate reading news on a regular basis, but a lot of times I would stumble across posts related to current events, and automatically get updated on the latest news.

9. It makes you feel more tech savvy

Notice I said blogging makes you "feel" more tech savvy, because even if you don't really get that much more tech savvy, at least you certainly feel more savvy. I'm almost certain that it would up your internet, html, SEO and other knowledge base because you'd be preoccupied with prettying up your blog, directing traffic to your site and much more.

10. Gives you the greatest sense of achievement

The sense of achievement you get when you finished your first post is simply...amazing. I'm sure there are many other things out there that are considered more achieving, but the sense of accomplishment I get after writing each entry is unmatched by many other achievements.

With all of this said, I'm about to devote my summer into blogging my brains out.

Thanks for reading

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kat_Wu

Write a Blog To Pass Time Online

Surfing the web easily consumes a lot of your time if you don't have a clear purpose. For example if you belong to several online discussion forums your back and forth conversations will eat up your time. Before you realize it, several hours have passed by and you haven't accomplished anything. It's easy to become distracted by all the information and interaction you can enjoy online.

Why don't you pass some of the time you spend online to write a blog?

Here are the 10 steps to write a blog

1. Choose a niche

Select a niche you feel passionate about. If you choose a niche you're not interested in it will be difficult to come up with new content a regular basis. If you find it difficult to decide on niche make a list of all the things you are interested in ie hobbies, relationships, money, sports, etc. After deciding on a broad niche, narrow it down to a small one. For example if your interested in skiing, think of a smaller niche such as Alpine skiing.

2. Set up your blog

Requirements for setting up a blog include a domain name, Web hosting and WordPress software. Choose a domain name that represents your niche, is easy to spell and remember. Select a web hosting company that uses cpanel, a control panel that includes a one click install of WordPress and manages your web hosting account. A free WordPress template is included in your WordPress installation. Google "free WordPress Templates" to find alternative templates.

3. Optimize your blog

Optimizing your blog means it's fast loading, contains search engine friendly pages, appropriate meta-tags and a correct structure for your posts, pages, comments and RSS feeds. Unfortunately your WordPress blog is not optimized when first installed so you'll need to learn how to do this your self or hire a professional WordPress designer.

4. Write your blog

Create a long list of possible topics you can write about and use these to populate your blog. Decide on a schedule how often to post content. If you're starting from scratch it's best to write a new post every day for at least the next 30 days. After that write at least 3 new posts every week.

5. Optimize your content

To attract visitors and search engine traffic you need to write captivating headlines, sub headlines and include keywords people are searching on in your content. Use the free Google keyword research tool to find keywords related to your niche. The tool will show how many searches the keyword receives each month. Weave the keyword into your headlines and web copy so search engines will find and index your content.

6. Create a marketing plan

Visitors won't automatically visit your blog without creating a marketing plan. One effective marketing method is article marketing. Simply rewrite a portion of your content and submit it to the top article directories and ezine publishers in your niche. Make sure you always include a link back to your blog at the end of your article.

7. Interact with your visitors

Once you begin to get traffic to your blog visitors will comment on your content. Make sure you answer their questions. Use Twitter, and Facebook to direct visitors back to your blog. Interacting with your visitors helps build a community of loyal followers around your content.

8. Monetize your blog

Only monetize your blog after you've added at least 30 pages of content and got a steady flow of traffic. Ways to monetize your content may include adding AdSense Ads, Affiliate Programs, Product Reviews, Sponsored Ads and selling your own products. Test different methods to determine which program is the most profitable.

9. Monitor your traffic

if you don't know how many visitors you're receiving, where they are coming from and what keywords they are using to find your blog you'll have no idea how to create a successful blog. You need to monitor and analyze your traffic statistics. If your web hosting company doesn't provide this (from the hosting control panel) install Google Analytics code.

10. Be consistent

The key to building a profitable blog is to add new content frequently and consistently then to promote your content through social media sites, article marketing and other marketing methods.

Stop thinking about starting a blog and get the process underway. With time you'll see that good things will come to you.

original source Ezine Articles