My wife and I walk each night to unwind and she has the ability to ask a question, completely out of the blue, that makes it seem like you were talking about it a few minutes earlier.
"How much longer are you going to keep blogging before you decide it is or isn't making money for you?" she asked. Dang. I hate practical questions. "Are you always going to have to spend lots of time on your blog?" was a follow-up.
I explained to her that it takes about 6 months for bloggers to really develop their styles, and some bloggers continue at it for 1 - 2 years before they truly build an audience and get established. I've been blogging for 5 months; however, the first 2 months didn't have a clear focus.
But I could appreciate what she was asking: how much time will you invest in something that doesn't have a pay-off?
First, bloggers who answer to a higher power (your spouse) should have clearly set in mind their reason for blogging and their target or definition for success.
Your Purpose
is it money, client relations, creative time, or a chance to vent? Clearly state to your spouse, girlfriend, family, etc., your purpose for blogging. You should know this clearly. It's like any endeavor in which you're engaged. The stronger your convictions then the more likely you'll succeed - especially if you define what "success" means for you.
I told her I can use my blog more effectively to position myself as a web content writer and business marketing helper.
Your Time
I did spent a lot of time in the first few months getting set-up in blogging. I researched platforms and taught myself basic html coding. There was a lot of time invested. Now, it's running more efficiently but there's still a learning curve but I do see ways I can blog in a time sensitive way.
Their Time
Blogging can pull you in! And away from those you love. Don't let it. I'm fortunate in that I enjoy blogging and reading about internet trends, etc., but I also need to get away from the computer.
Your family and friends are your support system and giving yourself time away from the computer can give you clarity when you come back to write.
I also explained to my wife that I was spending less time on my blog recently.
Gosh, I didn't tell her there are still so many more things to do to improve it!!!
8 comments:
Don
Most blogs don't and never will make an appreciable amount of money for their authors.
While I suspect some SEO types can generate a decent profit doing what they do, I don't believe that building a funnel of thousands of low-content-value pages/sites is an honorable way to make a living. It certainly doesn't feed your mind, heart or soul in the same way that writing value-added material does.
John's take: A blog's value comes from offering material worth reading; material that helps the reader find a "Yes" answer. Those "Yes" answers are the foundation of products that create financial value for you.
I hope you can find the ballance in your life to stick with your bolg.
Take care...
JWM
I am inclined to agree with John.
However, I seriously doubt any one makes a living out of blogging.
I know, I know, I have also heard of a few who do, but if you see most of them are either blogging networks or or syndicated bloggers.
All the best.
John and Ottayan,
I agree with both of you . . . John, you wrote it well that writing value-added material is why people search the 'net.
I do see blogs as an effective way for small businesses, especially, to promote themselves.
Individual bloggers need to tap into this or, as you pointed out, become part of a network that's attractive to advertisers.
Otherwise, it's a good way for individual consultants to position themselves for their clients, too.
And, yes, I do feel I have a balance between family and blogging. It's all balanced to blogging!!!
JUST KIDDING!!!
Funny that! My wife asks the same question, verbally and in a look that says as much, in regards to the time I spend on my blog.
Everytime a friend rings, I can hear her in the background, "Peter, he's fine, he's on the computer blogging". Even though I might be doing something else.
She has a lot of friends and says the same thing to all of them. It's not that I spend a lot of time on my blog, it's just that she catches me on my blog at the wrong time.
Your wife is probably as understanding as my wife. My wife does not really mind, as she knows I am doing it for a specific reason.
Well, it could be worse, I could be down at the pub all the time. ....That can't work, I don't drink.
Anyway, at least it's quality time with my loving wife during these times, so it's all worth it! Isn't it?
Don,
since i dont have a family (my daughter is in AZ until x-mas), i'll go back to the original topic.
"How long should I keep blogging?"
I've been blogging since June. Since then, i've been set up with chitika, and bidvertiser, and i've been banned by adsense (i learned my lesson though).
i haven't made more than about $5 the whole time. i made blogging a priority over my job and my online business!! that was a mistake!!
blogging still isn't making me money so i just decided to ignore the fact that blogging could be financially beneficial and now i just post articles that i have strong opinions about.. rather than trying to post something new every couple of days to catch the publics eye..
maybe it will make me more money, maybe not.. but i do for the passion rather the money now...
thats just my side of things though...
At least I've made more than $5 . . .
Your point about posting articles in which you feel strongly is one of the basics about blogging from all I've read . . .
I see my blog as a "magazine" . . . and the challenge is keeping up with the themes . . .
And, Peter, I don't drink, either . . . except for the occasional sips of wine on Saturday nights while I'm fooling around with some aspect of blogging!
I did have a Foster's Beer recently . . . it wasn't bad.
This is not a sponsored plug for this guy so please do not take it the wrong way.
But seeing you are talking about making money by blogging, which I do not, I thought it relavent so I will bring it up. His goes by the tag "Problogger", an Aussie from Melbourne.
I visit his site because he has great advise for bloggers and he is a Aussie to boot. He does have advise on making money and his sole income is from blogging.
It is worth a look if you are into making money from blogging.
Well, that's my 2 two cents worth.
Thanks Don for listening!
Right now, blogging is a hobby for me. I don't play sports, I don't golf, I don't watch a lot of TV. I write my blog and read/comment on other blogs. It's my pastime.
I don't intend to try to make money with it. I just enjoy it for its own sake.
I wish you well as you continue to promote your blog.
Bob
Every, Every Minute
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