In previous posts, we've talked about the importance of creating consistent content, and how that can help improve your rankings in search results.
This requires time on your end, as you'll need to think of what to write, actually sit down and create your content, and then follow through with publishing it and sharing to social media.
In addition to improving your website's SEO, you can also earn money from your blog!
When choosing to start a blog, it's important that you have a solid foundation:
Have a specific audience in mind - know what problems they face, their interests, and their goals)
Deliver consistent and quality content - people like consistency, so try to get in the habit of creating content on a specific day, and making sure you've put time into creating it
Provide Value - become a resource that people want to come back to for help or to learn more
Encourage engagement - marketing is all about starting conversations, so don't be afraid to ask your audience to leave a comment, write in your forum, or follow your newsletter
Position yourself as an expert -
Ways to Monetize Your Blog
1. Paid Membership Plans
A good blog should provide value for a specific audience. You'll want most of your posts to be free and available to all, but you can add a pricing plan where you offer exclusive content for paying members.
It's good to keep some of your content free because of the SEO benefits, and it helps to set expectations with your audience so they know what they'll get with a paid membership.
A great way to set this up with Wix is to allow your readers the option to purchase a subscription plan. This will give them access to posts that are added to the subscription plan and are marked as exclusive content.
2. Feature Online Ads on Your Blog
If you have built a good amount of consistent traffic to your website, an option with minimal effort on your end is to feature display ads on your website. To do this, you'll need to setup an account with an ad platform like Google AdSense, so you can generate income when those ads are viewed or clicked.
Make sure that the ads are relevant to your audience's interests. If they aren't it will come off as "spammy" which can hurt your brand and they wont be as likely to click.
3. Become a Brand Affiliate
As an affiliate, you will partner with another brand and promote their products or services. When a purchase is made through your unique link, you earn a commission. Like featuring ads on your blog, you'll want to make sure you're partnering with brands that will interest your audience.
Amazon Associates is a popular affiliate program to check out and get started with.
4. Ask for Donations
If you are not selling your content, another option is to add a friendly note in the header or side area of your blog letting your audience know that you appreciate their readership and that you accept donations. Let them know how the donation helps you provide them with free content.
This option is especially popular for non-profits, or if you want to raise money for a particular cause.
Make It Happen!
Focus on making progress and get your blog setup. Then, start writing your content consistently and pay attention to the needs of your target audience. Before long, you'll be able to follow at least one of the four ways above and start earning money through your blog!
