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 interest. 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 interest. I needed to speak about private finance and share my very own experiences. I didn’t know that running a blog may really earn a living!
As time went on, my weblog grew. I went from writing in secret to having a neighborhood of readers who adopted my journey. Running a blog changed into a lifestyle for me. It allowed me to depart my day job and do one thing I like. And now, I get to share my story and suggestions with thousands and thousands of readers annually.
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 these days.
Working my very own enterprise and dealing fewer hours means I can spend a lot of free time with my husband and our daughter.
It’s a dream come true.
My weblog has turn out to be an amazing enterprise that lets me get pleasure from my work, have a versatile schedule, and make a superb residing.
What amazes me is how little I knew about running a blog after I began.
I’m not a tech particular person, and I’ve by no means considered myself as a author. I point out this as a result of many individuals assume you have 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 submit was printed on August 10, 2011. You possibly can learn it right here.
- I’ve written over 2,000 articles on Making Sense of Cents, however I deleted a bunch final yr and presently have 1,379 printed.
- I’ve acquired 151,762 emails (this doesn’t even embrace the numerous emails I’ve deleted through the years, 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 increased 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 not publish weblog earnings reviews nor share my earnings (yow will discover all of them right here – Weblog Revenue 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 earnings annually.
Associated content material:
Right here’s what I 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 shortly that being my very own boss was what I needed.
I get pleasure from making my very own schedule, setting my enterprise objectives, and doing what I 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 significantly better.
From writing to selling, each a part of running a blog is one thing I like doing (effectively, almost 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 each time I would like, whether or not it’s within the morning, at night time, or on weekends.
This flexibility permits me to get pleasure from my day doing enjoyable actions, and I can nonetheless get my work completed later.
3. Freedom to work from wherever is superb
One other wonderful thing about running a blog is being location impartial. I’ve had some superb experiences residing in other places, 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 hand over too shortly.
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.
Keep 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 pressured to put in writing. Writing on a decent deadline used to emphasize me out, and now I write posts effectively earlier than they’re due, permitting me to put in writing after I’m impressed.
Presently, 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 put in writing about simply but!
6. Get able to be taught
Running a blog is a steady studying journey. From understanding social media to operating a web site, there’s at all times one thing new to be taught. Running a blog isn’t a simple job, and making an earnings takes laborious work.
However that’s what makes it fascinating – it’s by no means boring as a result of there’s at all times a brand new problem.
7. Cease seeing different bloggers as competitors
It’s essential to see different bloggers as doable buddies reasonably than competitors.
Networking with different bloggers is essential for fulfillment, resembling by sharing one another’s content material, attending conferences, and supporting one another. This can assist everybody develop.
I’ve made nice buddies who’re bloggers and influencers, and it’s really an amazing neighborhood 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 should be a social media skilled or a tech wizard to get began.
All the pieces will be discovered alongside the way in which. Each profitable blogger began with out realizing every part, and with time, they discovered and grew.
That is one thing that I like about running a blog.
I’m proof which you could succeed even if you happen to don’t know a lot in the beginning. After I started Making Sense of Cents, I didn’t even know blogs existed or that you can earn a living from them. I discovered find out how to construct a weblog from scratch and labored laborious to get the place I’m immediately. It’s not at all times straightforward, however it’s been very rewarding!
9. It’s doable to make a residing running a blog
Among the best issues I noticed is which you could really make a superb residing from running a blog.
Many bloggers begin as a interest and switch it right into a money-making profession. Whereas it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, constant (and actual) effort can typically result in you with the ability to make a full-time earnings from running a blog.
10. I 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 powerful 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 day by day and I stay up for working.
11. Anticipate a troublesome starting
I get quite a lot of 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
Probably the most fulfilling features 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 superb.
Understanding that my phrases could make a constructive impression on somebody’s life retains me motivated to proceed writing. The suggestions and assist from readers creates a way of neighborhood and make all of the laborious work worthwhile.
I get pleasure from serving to folks around the globe with my weblog, and it’s really a tremendous feeling.
13. I’m very grateful for the life I get to stay
Okay, I’ve type of mentioned this all through many 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 stay a life I really get pleasure from. I’m grateful for the alternatives it has supplied, from monetary freedom to non-public progress. I’ve met superb folks, traveled to unbelievable locations, and constructed a profession that I’m obsessed with.
On daily basis, 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 at all times altering. I’m at all times looking for new methods to make my weblog higher. There are such a lot of potentialities, and I’m excited to discover them.
Presently, I’m trying to develop my weblog, like at all times. 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 put in writing about on Making Sense of Cents, please ship me an e mail at michelle@makingsenseofcents.com or depart a remark beneath.
Thanks a lot for being a reader of Making Sense of Cents!
Often Requested Questions
Beneath are solutions to frequent questions on beginning a weblog. I believed I’d embrace these right here as a result of I’m positive a few of you might have questions!
How can I begin my very own profitable weblog?
Beginning a profitable weblog includes just a few key steps. First, select a subject that you’re obsessed with and that others are eager about. It’s essential to be constant along with your posts and to put in writing high quality content material that gives worth to your readers. Establishing your weblog is less complicated with platforms like self-hosted WordPress. Keep 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 holding a weblog going for over a decade?
Staying motivated to weblog for a very long time will be laborious. One option to maintain going is by setting objectives you may attain and celebrating small wins. Speaking along with your readers and constructing a neighborhood may also maintain you excited. It’s good to remain up to date on new running a blog tendencies and continue learning new abilities.
How has the running a blog panorama modified previously 13 years?
Running a blog has modified so much previously 13 years. At first, shorter weblog posts have been frequent, however now longer weblog posts are extra in style. search engine marketing has turn out to be extra essential, and there are extra instruments to assist bloggers enhance their content material. Social media additionally performs an even bigger function in bringing folks to blogs immediately.
What are efficient methods to interact 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 periods and making interactive content material like polls or surveys can enhance engagement too. Often 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. Individuals love connecting with real-life experiences. Private tales make your weblog extra relatable and may construct a loyal readership. It’s essential to be real and sincere when sharing your experiences. For me, I at all times 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 effectively.
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 find out how to create a weblog, from the technical aspect to incomes your first earnings and attracting readers.
Are you curious about beginning a weblog or your individual enterprise? What questions do you have got for me?