Another month has come and gone, which means it’s time for me to reflect on how this blog performed in October 2014.
Those of you who read last month’s income report may recall that my main goal was to increase traffic and affiliate income. In this report, I will be looking at whether I achieved these goals.
As a reminder, my income reports only detail income generated through this blog, therefore income from other websites I own, such as Rise Forums, are not included.
Traffic Statistics
In August I published 21 blog posts on the blog. In September I published 22. In October my posting frequency increased to 31; which works out at one blog post per day.
I did not see an instant return on these additional blog posts, however over time this added content and higher posting frequency should increase my monthly traffic.
Visits and pageviews did increase, but you can see, there was not a significant jump in traffic.
- Sessions (Visits) – 27,871 (+751)
- Users (Unique Visits) – 23,904 (+240)
- Pageviews – 40,135 (+3,008)
Readership & Social Media
Twitter remains the main social media platform that I am semi-active on. My subscription appears to be growing at around the same rate every month; regardless of often I update my accounts.
- Email Newsletter = 2,487 Subscribers (+90 subscribers)
- Facebook = 1,152 Followers (+13 Followers)
- Twitter = 2,177 Followers (+46 Followers)
- Google+ = 1,184 Followers (+48 Followers)
- YouTube = 43 Subscribers (+4 Subscribers)
Income & Expenses Details
For a long time, I never invested the time and energy into this blog, but I was pleased with taking necessary steps in October to take the blog forward.
I activated a new WordPress theme for the blog at a cost of $99.00. I also placed an advertisement on the ProBlogger Job Board for writers. This has helped me increase posting frequency in the later part of the month from 4 or 5 blog posts per week to around 10 to 12.
Obviously, these additional writers came at a cost. In comparison to September 2014, I spent $1,214.20 more in October 2014 on writers. I am confident this investment will pay dividends in the future.
In total I earned $4,767.43 in October. I also paid out $1,828.10 in respect of guest posts and other expenses. This is the most I have ever invested in my blog during a month, though I hope to break this next month as I continue to increase my posting frequency.
Therefore my total profit was $2,939.33. This represents an decrease of $1,228.47 from September 2014.
Income
- Freelance Blogging = $2,861.40 (-$747.20)
- My Books – $98.35 (+$4.41). This includes digital and printed book sales.
- Affiliate Income = $407.68 (-$347.48)
- Advertising & Sponsored Posts = $1,400 (+$1,200)
Expenditure
- Writing Expenses (Guest Posts) = $1,679.10 (+$1,214.20)
- Theme Purchase = $99.00
- ProBlogger Job Board Listing = $50.00
- Advertising = $0 (-$25)
* Difference in income and expenditure from previous month shown in brackets.
Overview
Traffic and affiliate income did not increase in October, though I can still be pleased with the developments I have made. A large number of the articles that I paid for in October will be published until this month (November), therefore the investment I made during October should hopefully bear fruit over the coming weeks. Plus the difference in profit from last month is more or less equal to my increase in writing expenses (income was actually $109.73 higher).
The key with an increased posting strategy is quality content. Simply increasing posting frequency will not help me drive traffic or readers to this blog. However, if the quality of content remains high, more articles should generate more social media shares, more incoming links, and more search engine traffic. So far, I believe that the quality of articles that have been published over the last few weeks have been great.
I am going to continue to invest in good content for this blog and contribute to the blog myself too. Hopefully, I will start seeing the benefits of this over the next 4 to 8 weeks.
Thanks for reading.
Kevin
Thanks for the kind words Mary.
I’m excited about 2015 and what can be achieved. 2015 is an open book for all of us :)
Hi Kev, you deserve to earn more. You are a fantastic blogger. i hope you will get what you’re worth comparing to 9 to 5 job. Be consistent my friend. Sooner, you will reap the rewards. Pursue you dream, I know what kind of lifestyle you really want as you’ve said “you control your own”. How nice to have a “freedom” especially time freedom. You have time freedom, next is your financial freedom. I am wishing it for you.
You’re one of the inspirational and motivational blogger and IMer. I hope you someday you will earn more than what Pat Flynn makes online.
God bless bro. Have a prosperous new year.
haha I’ll be sure to do that next month.
Never understood the cliche of sitting on a beach with a laptop. Why would anyone go to the hassle of taking their laptop down to the beach.
That’s impressive. But in order to hawk it as a wso you need to claim you are making 4X more, no expenses and you spend all your time on the beach/travelling. Without that it will flop!
Hi Warren,
Yes I launched my forums off the back of my blog. It is possible to launch a forum on its own, but it requires a huge amount of work. You would need to work on the forum a lot before you start attracting members. It could be a large drain on time at the start and give you very little reward.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
By all means, be honest — that’s how I learn. I also appreciate your thoughts about my site — to which I am taking serious note of. You’re right, it covers multiple topics — which, I did on purpose. Initially, I wanted a site that covered any topic under “personal development,” but IT IS still too broad; so, I was planning on narrowing that down anyway to get more reach — your earlier comment just “sealed the deal.”
Nonetheless, a site like dumblittleman[dot]com, is what I’m aiming for; but, my “unique selling proposition” IS the 100% ad share revenue and allowing referral links within posts. What I meant by “100% ad share revenue,” is that writers can post their contextual ads and it’ll be viewed ALL the time; unlike sites, like Hubpages, that only allow a portion of their writers’ ads to show up. As you know, more content views = more POTENTIAL for clicks.
Nonetheless, I think earning money through contextual ads is difficult unless you’re receiving a lot of traffic — but even then, it’s not certain of how much you’ll make, because I’m sure you’re aware that readers are very sophisticated nowadays with ads and they just ignore them.
So why create a site that caters to contextual ads then?
In the end, for me, it’s about exposure and authority for me and my writers. Believe it or not, my site has gained authority, in Google’s eyes, after 4 months of going live (top of page sitelinks) — and that’s with the multiple topics. Most of my traffic is organic as well, but it’s not a lot. So it could very well be due to the multiple topic situation, or the fact that the only methods I’ve been using to build traffic, is through social media and blog commenting.
Regardless, my responsibility is to keep growing the site and adding more visitors as well; because you’re correct, right now, it may not be a good business move for my writers — but I do want to change that. Your Rise Forums could come in handy, so I’ll definitely check it out.
As far as MY revenue, I’m not relying on that site. I have other sites that are niche-specific and other monetary methods to explore, in order to finally achieve financial freedom. I believe in multiple income streams, but I also prefer efficiency and quality, over quantity.
So, if I can achieve the income I need with just two sites or two income methods, then great! I’ll sell my other sites to those who can improve them; but I’ll always have at least two income streams, so I have something to fall back on, just in case.
As far as your Rise Forums, I imagine you built its audience through your blog, or was it from other methods? I only ask because I’m starting a forum as well (on a different niche), but it’s like a catch-22 situation.
I’ll be the only guy in it when it first goes live; and so, people won’t post anything on it, unless there are already discussions going on. Just wondering how you surpass that obstacle.
Anyway, thanks again for your input Kevin — I really appreciate it! I’ll definitely be using your Rise Forums as well for more education.
Keep inspiring,
Warren
Hi Kimsea,
That’s great you are reinvesting back into your blog. Hope it helps you develop your blog.
Kevin
Hi Warren,
I admire the enthusiasm you have for your website, but I think you are on the wrong path.
I am unsure as to whether you want to hear my honest opinion on your website; but here goes. The way you have set your blog up is not a good business model for you and it is not a good business move for your writers.
You do not have any central theme. One minute you are talking about writing, the next you are talking about doing exercise, or parenting, or saving money. It seems all over the place. It would be better if you focused on one central theme or topic.
As you rightly sat, the blogging world is competitive. Do you think any blog is going to stand out if it covers so many topics?
What is your long term plan for generating income for the blog? And since 100% of revenue is shared with writers, how do you plan on making money gor yourself? To be, the setup seems flawed.
I hope you don’t think I’m being critical. That is not my intention. I just feel you would make more money if you set things up in a completely different way. I am saying this from experience.
Drop by Rise Forums. We would be happy to help point you in the right direction for your blog :)
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
(Replying from a different comment =)) I agree with you. I, personally, don’t write for content mills — although in the past, I wrote three articles for textbroker (300 words each) and made a total of $14. I could definitely write one article for that amount from a blogger offering that (or more) — but textbroker was quick and simple. But again, it won’t be a good revenue model, since you would have to write (and fight for) numerous article assignments.
So why do people still write for sites like these (and mine)?
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m sure it’s definitely for the quick buck (literally) and a host of other reasons — whether it’s because they don’t want to maintain/invest on their own blog, don’t have business acumen and the patience to build it, fear, or just wanting to gain experience and exposure from an already established site(s).
Would they be better-off writing for other bloggers that pay higher per article — of course! But how many of these writers get accepted right away? A lot of them would have to establish relationships, write for a specific niche, or go through a specific process (sometimes very detailed and long), before getting their posts accepted, where time can be another issue.
Would these writers be better-off creating their own blogs and making money through that instead? — HELL YEAH! But again, time and money is the issue my friend. I’ve heard of a few bloggers already establishing a readership, email list, and making income from their blogs, just within the first three months of going live. That’s incredible, considering today’s competition! Those bloggers must’ve taken the time and resources to achieve that. Unfortunately, that’s not realistic for the rest of us. For most of us it may take several more months to a couple years or so, before even attaining that level.
I’ve started blogging (on and off) since 2009 and I didn’t get serious about it, until the end of last year — when I decided to create an income out of it. But lack of focus, adding too many ideas, and succumbing to life’s distractions, are keeping me from achieving my goal of financial freedom. But I also know, there are others out there like me.
Even though I have yet to make a stable income with my online ventures, I do recognize there’s a market for content mill writers — unless I discover otherwise — which I’ll never know, until I try, by creating my own site on this niche. Before you judge, I’m not trying to take advantage of these writers; rather I’m taking advantage of a potential market — I am still a business man after all =). But I do focus on others first, and that will never change.
Right now, I aim to put all my energy into building my site FOR my writers. Eventually, they may realize that they can grow somewhere else, or take the leap to start their own blogs (I’ve had some unsubscribers too); which is OK, because I’ve always wanted them to find their own way eventually and at the same time, I’m learning and hopefully earning as well. So I think it’s a win for everybody — at least in some capacity.
Keep inspiring,
Warren
Hey Warren,
Thanks for the helpful tips. I didn’t know about Amazon’s FBA. I’ll surely explore the idea. Thanks.
Hi Warren,
What I don’t understand is why anyone would want to contribute articles to another website for a small share of revenue. Their time would be better invested developing their own website than writing for someone else on the promise of getting a piece of the pie one day. Doesn’t make any sense to me. If they wrote for their own website, they would have full control. They would also have a tangible asset that they could sell in the future.
Kevin
Hello Zee,
If your plan is to make a living online — as many of us are aspiring to do — then I would definitely explore additional options other than “making money from a blog.”
When I first started making money, I wanted to get my feet wet by creating Kindle books, which you don’t even need a blog for (although it does help).
Another option is Amazon’s FBA program; although, you would definitely be taking on some risks (they’re always there regardless) and making some investments as well.
If you’re already writing for Kevin and receiving payments from him, then you have a nice start. If you haven’t created a blog yet, I would start one now and essentially, build your portfolio through that.
You’ll establish your credibility and grow a readership through time as well — then it’ll be easier to monetize when that happens — as opposed to wanting to monetize first. Hope this helps.
Keep inspiring,
Warren
Yes…something that complements blogging…
Hi Kevin,
I’m replying to a previous comment you made (not latest), since it seems that I can only reply so many times per comment.
Anyway, I agree on your belief about the author/revenue share model — it’s actually a horrible way to even make part time income for any writer (not impossible though).
But I built it for my experience and the exposure for other writers. I’m also learning at the same time to see if this model will actually work for me long term.
If I do make changes, they would only be cosmetic — to which my writers are aware of in advance anyway. However, if I were to…say…create a membership plan for new writers, old writers won’t be affected by it, since they’ve been with me for so long. Regardless, there will be naysayers, as you mentioned.
Obviously, if I feel that my writers are not getting their fair share, then I’ll find ways to accommodate or just squash this model altogether. But so far, I’m where I want to be.
To answer your question earlier, I don’t write as much, since the content is already provided for me. But I do have another blog that I’m in the process of building — which will definitely require my full attention to writing — it’s just not live yet.
Ultimately, I want at least one blog where I’m the sole writer, with guest blogging opportunities as well. I just have to stay focused, one project at a time.
Warren
You only get out what you put in. In a year or so, I will be making more money that I could working a traditional 9 to 5 office job. But you cannot reach that level of profitability without putting in hard work and reinvesting back into your business.
What do you mean a better plan? Do you mean a better plan than blogging?
Kevin
I have never believed in an author or member revenue share business model as I have always envisioned problems in the future. There will always be a point where you want or need to change the structure of your website; which will undoubtedly piss off people who were making money through yout website.
Do you write blog posts for your website frequently yourself?
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
After reading this comment, I think I’ll keep my resignation letter less handy. I don’t want to lag behind my friends with similar 9-5 jobs. Definitely not in the package.
Do you think that a better plan may somehow avoid this possibility?
Because I thoroughly enjoy blogging. And so far, it’s been really good. Even though there’s a lot of improvement to be made, the response has been nice.
Thanks for sharing..! Actually, I earn less a hundred dollar last month and everyone months. But last month, I have invested 200% over my earning. I want to make more better for my blog income. Anyway, you have pretty amount of earning. I hope to do that as well
I agree. The clean look is awesome and it’s easier to navigate. Great theme.
Warren
Actually, my blog is a wannabe hubpages; but it’s in a very small scale and I try to focus on the personal development niche — which I guess, technically, is still a broad niche.
I allow my writers to place affiliate links (as long as it doesn’t force sell the reader or distract them) and I include 100% revenue share with contextual ads.
It’s still in its infancy stages, but I have big plans to expand it, so I can eventually reward my writers with gifts and paid writing opportunities — but that’s definitely when I attain a certain income and growth position — my writers know this. I was actually inspired by a site called shetoldme [dot] com, but I want to do better.
Right now, my challenge is to stick with one project, since I have so many ideas for earning income online — which I can also lose focus on my current site.
Warren
I’m using the Tribe theme. It’s still in beta so has some bugs etc, but I love its clean look.
I do see your point. It would be more money for me to spend or invest in other things. Ideally, I want to work with two or three good bloggers who can write on a long term basis.
Guest posters who write free of charge usually only want to submit one article. It can be time consuming going back and forth with a person explaining writing guidelines and formatting and ensuring the standard is high. In many instances, it would be quicker for me to just write the article myself.
Do you work with guest posters on your own blog?
Kevin
Oh and forgot to ask you: Love the new look of your blog. Did you code it yourself or hired a developer? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Fair enough. Just thought that extra expense could go to you; because personally, guest posting, in a high profile blog like yours, pays dividends in my opinion. I wouldn’t mind guest posting on your blog for free — because the relationships from both you and your readers would be valuable to me.
Of course, ultimately, I would monetized that in some way someday also; but if not, new readers/relationships are always welcome. You’re right that the quality can differ, but as I mentioned earlier, it would depend on that guest author’s intentions.
Every blogger has their own goals/reasons regardless. I respect that.
Keep inspiring,
Warren
Hi Warren,
Thanks for the comment Warren.
Yeah there is a big difference between supporting yourself and supporting a family.
With regards to guest posters. I would not write for other websites for free and would not expect others to do the same for me. Plus, I do not believe that the standard of articles provided by those who write free of charge is good (at least, that has been my experience).
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
It really does depend on one’s lifestyle needs and location. For me, $4000/mo will be enough to make me happy and live well in the states. But if I was in the Philippines, I would be living like a King. Also, that amount may change when you factor in family or one income families, which may not be enough.
Also, I noticed that you paid a lot to your guest authors this month. Not sure if that’s your plan for awhile, but personally, I think you should leverage the fact that guest posting on your site is enough payment for them to get exposure/recognition and get noticed on your social platforms instead. They could also add affiliates links in their author box, if they do require money.
I just think, since you’re not making as much as you want right now, this method should suffice. To me, exposure=money too. Just a thought.
Keep inspiring,
Warren
Thanks for the kind words Ashish.
I’m not sure I am a famous blogger, though I have been around a while. When Twitter was first launched, most other bloggers were very active on it. I wasn’t. I found it to be a great drain on time. Due to this, I did not get in there early and build a following.
That being said, a lot of the internet marketers who did get into Twitter early gained a large following due to applications such as TweetAdder etc. Or they used the follow to be followed way of building their follower count. Due to this, their number of subscribers is artificially inflated.
I probably should promote myself on Twitter more, however I am not sure it is worth the time and money required i.e. I could invest in writers etc.
Kevin
It’s unfortunately not a lot of money where I live. When I worked in Finance, I used to make around $6,000 to $7,000 per month doing an easy 9 to 5 job; and that did not include any income from my websites (which could add another few thousand). Therefore, my income is very low in comparison to what my friends are making and what I used to make myself.
However, I realise that I need to develop my websites more. I am not motivated by money, but I would rather working for myself than work for a company that did not give me the creative control I desire.
Hi Kevin,
I was waiting for your October income report. Your blog traffic and income you earn gives me a good understanding about how i will take my blog forward.
Everything seems interesting. But there is one question that i want to ask you.
Why does your Twitter profile shows only 2179 followers? (As compared to other famous bloggers)
I mean to say that you are a famous blogger, and have been on internet for last 10-15 years (as you mentioned). I actually feel confused when i look at the number of your Twitter followers. Whether i should concentrate on Twitter or not?
And if not, then how do you promote your articles?
Thanks!
Wow kevin. You still manage and able to make $2,939.33 for this month. It really good. Do you know, at my country, you can convert it to RM9000. Do you know, what you can do for RM9000? this is a lot of money. I hope, i can be like you to able to make money from internet.. :)