Four years ago I decided that I wanted to learn how to earn money online. I had published several poems, and a couple of articles and short stories. At the time I was running a home daycare business and was excited at the prospect of working as a full-time writer.
While researching online money making ideas I discovered blogging. It seemed like a fun way to earn an online income. I started my first blog and it took me a whopping six months to make a couple of hundred dollars. Believe it or not, I was not discouraged, I just kept trying, convinced that I could figure this whole blogging thing out. I spent hours researching how to properly monetize my blog and began creating more blog sites. I learned all about how Search Engine Optimization works and how to write SEO content on my websites.
Blogging as a Business
Over the years I figured out which ad placements work the best for each individual blog and how to gain website traffic. Each year my income has doubled and if I stay on this track in 2012 I will have the option of turning by online business into a Corporation, and you can guess who will be the CEO.
In November of 2010 I hired my first part-time employee, which was very exciting for me. Some people say the bloggers who make money are just lucky, but luck has nothing to do with it. I've worked extremely hard to build up my blogs and have spent a lot of my free time researching how I could do things even better.
A Blog Is Not a Diary
When I tell people that I run several blogs, most of them assume I'm sharing my day to day activities with online readers. A blog does not have to be an online diary, and the majority of my blogs to not include any information about me whatsoever. A blog can be absolutely anything you want it to be, it's simply a website that is meant to be updated frequently.
Although I could easily devote myself to full-time blogging, I also enjoy writing articles, poetry, etc., So I divide my time between the two. I currently work as as writer for Demand Studios and as a Tier 3 Level writer at The Content Authority. In the past I have worked as a celebrity blogger for 451 Press (which is unfortunately no longer in service). I also really enjoy writing for HubPages, and my hubs earn steady money each month.
How to Know Whether an Online Opportunity is Legitimate
There are quite a few legitimate online opportunities for writers, but it is important for someone to know how to detect online work scams. There are several fantastic articles online on how to spot an online scam, such as "How to Spot Legitimate Home Jobs From Scams" and "Recognize and Avoid Work at Home Scams."
Where to Find Free Job Listings
Writers or bloggers looking for work can find fantastic online job opportunities on the Problogger.net Job Boards. I've found some good paying opportunities on the board over the past couple of years, but not all of the jobs that are listed there are worth the effort for the low amount of pay offered.
Those who are interested in starting up their own blog should do plenty of research on the subject. If a blogger does not understand how to successfully earn money from their blog, their efforts will be wasted. Here are my top three blog earning methods, and the top two are also used on HubPages. Google Adsense, Amazon and Chitika are all top professional companies.
1) Google Adsense Ads
Google Adsense has been a steady number one for earning over the years. Although once in a while there are earnings slumps, my Adsense income has consistently risen over time. It is easy to place Adsense on a blog or website and Google provides many fantastic tools that help webmasters. Google Analytics and the Google Adwords Keyword tool are the tools that I use the most often.
2) Amazon.com
Over the years I've managed to learn how to effectively use SEO techniques to sell many products on Amazon.com. As an Amazon.com affiliate you earn a percentage of all sales. Since I love Amazon.com and the customers reviews feature they offer it isn't hard for me to steer shoppers their way. I love shopping there myself. Amazon.com offers amazing banner, widgets, search boxes and more for their affiliates. Promoting a top site like Amazon is fun way to earn money each month.
3) Chitika
Chitika ads do not earn as much as Google Adsense Ads, but they do provide a bit of additional income when placed on a blog or website. They are great when used in addition to Google Adsense Ads. Like Google Adsense, Chitika gives users the chance to track specific ads to see how much they are earning. The ads are easy to create and to place on a site.
More Recommended Money Makers
CJ - Commission Junction
Commission Junction is a top earner for many bloggers. The affiliate program is one of the best out there. A few years ago I signed up and I did manage to earn some money with the CJ affiliate program, but I did not enjoy using the system. I personally found it time consuming, and since I'm such a big fan of Amazon, I decided to just stick with them. I would not hesitate to recommend Commission Junction though, it is a high quality affiliate program.
Recommended Reading
ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
Professional Blogging For Dummies (For Blogging Newbies)
The Secret
The Power of Positive Thinking
Think and Grow Rich
