This month marks 13 years of running a blog for me. Right here’s what I take into consideration running a blog after incomes over $5,000,000 and over a decade of working on-line. After I began my weblog in August 2011, I had no thought what I used to be leaping into. At first, it was only a passion. I needed to speak about…
This month marks 13 years of running a blog for me. Right here’s what I take into consideration running a blog after incomes over $5,000,000 and over a decade of working on-line.
After I began my weblog in August 2011, I had no thought what I used to be leaping into. At first, it was only a passion. I needed to speak about private finance and share my very own experiences. I didn’t know that running a blog might really earn money!
As time went on, my weblog grew. I went from writing in secret to having a group of readers who adopted my journey. Running a blog became a lifestyle for me. It allowed me to go away my day job and do one thing I really like. And now, I get to share my story and suggestions with hundreds of thousands of readers every year.
13 years in the past, I by no means would have guessed this for myself!
And, I’ve by no means been extra grateful, particularly recently.
Working my very own enterprise and dealing fewer hours means I can spend numerous free time with my husband and our daughter.
It’s a dream come true.
My weblog has grow to be an amazing enterprise that lets me get pleasure from my work, have a versatile schedule, and make a superb dwelling.
What amazes me is how little I knew about running a blog after I began.
I’m not a tech individual, and I’ve by no means considered myself as a author. I point out this as a result of many individuals suppose it is advisable to be each to begin a profitable weblog.
Running a blog was one thing I began and labored on along with my full-time day job as a monetary analyst, and round two years after I began this weblog, I give up my day job to weblog full-time (that was again in 2013).
Some enjoyable stats about Making Sense of Cents:
- My first weblog put up was revealed on August 10, 2011. You may learn it right here.
- I’ve written over 2,000 articles on Making Sense of Cents, however I deleted a bunch final yr and at present have 1,379 revealed.
- I’ve acquired 151,762 emails (this doesn’t even embody the numerous emails I’ve deleted over time, so the quantity might be over 1 million, haha!). I haven’t included promotional emails both – the 151,762 are merely emails from my readers.
- I’ve 65,342 feedback on my weblog posts. This was greater however I deleted over 6,000 feedback that had damaged hyperlinks.
- It took me six months to earn my first $100 from Making Sense of Cents.
- Whereas I now not publish weblog revenue experiences nor share my revenue (you’ll find all of them right here – Weblog Earnings Studies From A Multi-Million Weblog), from 2011 to 2018, I made round $5,000,000 complete. Since 2018, I’ve nonetheless made a wholesome revenue every year.
Associated content material:
Right here’s what I really like and have discovered about running a blog.
1. I benefit from the freedom of being my very own boss
After I first began my weblog, I noticed rapidly that being my very own boss was what I needed.
I get pleasure from making my very own schedule, setting my enterprise targets, and doing what I really like every day. It’s nice to have complete management over my work. I keep away from duties that I dislike, making my work-life stability a lot better.
From writing to selling, each a part of running a blog is one thing I really like doing (nicely, practically each half – it’s nonetheless laborious work!).
2. A versatile schedule modified my life
One of many largest perks of being a blogger is having a versatile schedule. I can work every time I would like, whether or not it’s within the morning, at evening, or on weekends.
This flexibility permits me to get pleasure from my day doing enjoyable actions, and I can nonetheless get my work accomplished later.
3. Freedom to work from wherever is wonderful
One other beauty of running a blog is being location unbiased. I’ve had some wonderful experiences dwelling elsewhere, like in an RV or on a sailboat.
So long as I’ve my laptop computer and an web connection, I can work. Separating work and private life will be difficult, however the freedom it offers is value it.
4. Success takes time
Too many bloggers surrender too rapidly.
Beginning a weblog can really feel overwhelming, and never seeing fast outcomes will be disheartening. It took me six months to earn my first $100, however that persistence has paid off in the long term.
Bear in mind, good issues take time.
5. Write while you really feel impressed
I discovered that I write my greatest content material after I’m not compelled to write down. Writing on a good deadline used to emphasize me out, and now I write posts nicely earlier than they’re due, permitting me to write down after I’m impressed.
At present, I’ve sufficient content material to be about one month forward, and it feels nice!
Even after 13 years of writing, it’s nonetheless one thing that I actually get pleasure from. And, I’m nowhere out of matters to write down about simply but!
6. Get able to be taught
Running a blog is a steady studying journey. From understanding social media to operating an internet site, there’s all the time one thing new to be taught. Running a blog isn’t a simple activity, and making an revenue takes laborious work.
However that’s what makes it fascinating – it’s by no means boring as a result of there’s all the time a brand new problem.
7. Cease seeing different bloggers as competitors
It’s essential to see different bloggers as doable mates slightly than competitors.
Networking with different bloggers is essential for achievement, reminiscent of by sharing one another’s content material, attending conferences, and supporting one another. This will help everybody develop.
I’ve made nice mates who’re bloggers and influencers, and it’s actually an amazing group to be in.
8. You don’t want expertise to begin a weblog
After I began running a blog, I had no expertise and didn’t know a lot about it. You don’t must be a social media knowledgeable or a tech wizard to get began.
Every part will be discovered alongside the best way. Each profitable blogger began with out figuring out the whole lot, and with time, they discovered and grew.
That is one thing that I really like about running a blog.
I’m proof that you would be able to succeed even when you don’t know a lot firstly. After I started Making Sense of Cents, I didn’t even know blogs existed or that you may earn money from them. I discovered tips on how to construct a weblog from scratch and labored laborious to get the place I’m right this moment. It’s not all the time simple, nevertheless it’s been very rewarding!
9. It’s doable to make a dwelling running a blog
Among the finest issues I noticed is that you would be able to really make a superb dwelling from running a blog.
Many bloggers begin as a passion and switch it right into a money-making profession. Whereas it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, constant (and actual) effort can generally result in you with the ability to make a full-time revenue from running a blog.
10. I really like this profession path
Earlier than running a blog, I completely dreaded the workweek.
Now, I get up excited to work on my weblog. Whereas there are robust days, like coping with impolite feedback or the algorithms altering, the enjoyment I get from running a blog makes it value it.
I genuinely love what I do on daily basis and I stay up for working.
11. Anticipate a tricky starting
I get numerous emails from readers who’re scared to begin a weblog and share their ideas. They need to know my greatest recommendation for beginning.
My greatest recommendation is – simply go for it!
Nearly each blogger I do know (even the actually profitable ones) was scared to begin too.
That is completely regular.
12. Connecting with readers is extremely rewarding
One of the fulfilling elements of running a blog is the reference to readers. Listening to from individuals who have benefited from my recommendation or have been impressed by my weblog is wonderful.
Figuring out that my phrases could make a constructive influence on somebody’s life retains me motivated to proceed writing. The suggestions and help from readers creates a way of group and make all of the laborious work worthwhile.
I get pleasure from serving to folks around the globe with my weblog, and it’s actually a tremendous feeling.
13. I’m very grateful for the life I get to dwell
Okay, I’ve form of mentioned this all through a lot of the sections above, however I need to say it out loud – I’m so very grateful!
Running a blog has given me the possibility to dwell a life I actually get pleasure from. I’m grateful for the alternatives it has supplied, from monetary freedom to private development. I’ve met wonderful folks, traveled to unbelievable locations, and constructed a profession that I’m captivated with.
Every single day, I get up excited to work on my weblog and join with my readers. This journey has introduced a lot pleasure and success into my life, and I’m grateful for each second of it.
What’s subsequent?
Running a blog is all the time altering. I’m all the time looking for new methods to make my weblog higher. There are such a lot of potentialities, and I’m excited to discover them.
At present, I’m trying to develop my weblog, like all the time. I’ve been writing extra, which has been good, and I’ve been filling content material gaps on my web site.
If there’s something you’d like me to write down about on Making Sense of Cents, please ship me an electronic mail at michelle@makingsenseofcents.com or go away a remark under.
Thanks a lot for being a reader of Making Sense of Cents!
Incessantly Requested Questions
Beneath are solutions to frequent questions on beginning a weblog. I assumed I’d embody these right here as a result of I’m certain a few of you’ll have questions!
How can I begin my very own profitable weblog?
Beginning a profitable weblog includes a couple of key steps. First, select a subject that you’re captivated with and that others are fascinated about. It’s essential to be constant together with your posts and to write down high quality content material that gives worth to your readers. Establishing your weblog is less complicated with platforms like self-hosted WordPress. Bear in mind to advertise your weblog on social media to achieve a wider viewers. I like to recommend studying How To Begin A Profitable Weblog In 10 Steps to be taught extra.
What are some suggestions for maintaining a weblog going for over a decade?
Staying motivated to weblog for a very long time will be laborious. One solution to maintain going is by setting targets you possibly can attain and celebrating small wins. Speaking together with your readers and constructing a group may maintain you excited. It’s good to remain up to date on new running a blog developments and continue learning new expertise.
How has the running a blog panorama modified up to now 13 years?
Running a blog has modified quite a bit up to now 13 years. At first, shorter weblog posts had been frequent, however now longer weblog posts are extra well-liked. web optimization has grow to be extra essential, and there are extra instruments to assist bloggers enhance their content material. Social media additionally performs a much bigger position in bringing folks to blogs right this moment.
What are efficient methods to have interaction with readers on a long-term weblog?
Participating with readers is essential to having a profitable long-term weblog. I like to recommend replying to feedback and emails to make readers really feel valued (as a result of they’re!). Internet hosting Q&A classes and making interactive content material like polls or surveys can increase engagement too. Recurrently updating your weblog with new content material additionally retains readers coming again.
Can sharing private tales on a weblog entice a gentle readership?
Sure, sharing private tales can entice and retain readers. Folks love connecting with real-life experiences. Private tales make your weblog extra relatable and might construct a loyal readership. It’s essential to be real and trustworthy when sharing your experiences. For me, I all the time attempt to add one thing private to all of my weblog posts, and I prefer to see that after I’m studying different folks’s content material as nicely.
If you wish to begin your individual weblog, I like to recommend signing up for my free How To Begin a Weblog Course right here. On this free course, I present you tips on how to create a weblog, from the technical facet to incomes your first revenue and attracting readers.
Are you curious about beginning a weblog or your individual enterprise? What questions do you may have for me?
