 |
| Image: Author M. Rhodes |
My Blogger Experiment--Making Money With a Free Blog
I created this site as an experiment to see if I could generate income online, using the free blogging platform, Blogger, in concert with a .com domain name, along with monetization strategies.
Now, most of us know that WordPress is supposed to be the ideal platform for blogging from an SEO standpoint; however, for those just getting their feet wet with the whole "making money online" scenario, having to pay monthly hosting so as to be able to monetize a WordPress blog might not be the desired situation.
I'd always planned on moving up to WordPress but found, after using it at other sites, I simply preferred Blogger, which I found far more intuitive and far more customizable. Now, this doesn't mean that WordPress isn't a good blogging platform, if you know which plug-ins to choose and what theme to buy. Many claim it is the blogging platform of choice--but for many, all of this is too complicated right out of the starting gate and entails initial costs that are hard to swallow.
(If you have more experience and you like WordPress and you are ready to move up to a hosted site for monetization purposes, I highly recommend HostGator. Why? I chatted with their support staff and learned that for a small fee one can move up to their Baby Plan. Why is the Baby Plan such a good offering? Because you can have an unlimited number of domains and an unlimited number of websites all for one affordable monthly fee of $6.36. Even better, for someone who wants to build multiple sites, with the (built-in) option of installing a WordPress blog on any number of them, this is a fantastic offering. If you decide this is the route for you, use this coupon: PriceReducer and save $9.94 on the cost of hosting.)
For me, at present, there are two sites I'm focusing on for blogging and site-building: Blogger (free) and Site Build it!. Why these two?
Why Blogger?
- You can set up a free blog or even a website in minutes using Blogger
- You can get a domain name right at Blogger for around $10.00
- You can monetize your blog with AdSense and other programs and started making money.
Why Site Build It?
While Site Build It entails an initial cost ($299.00) it gives you absolutely everything to build a business online: site-building, monetization + a built-in marketing component that is hard to beat. Why do I mention Site Build it! when we are discussing using a free Blogger blog to earn money? Because, simply put, using either of these, you can and will generate income online. For those who want to cut through all the chaff and go straight to a business building platform that gives them absolutely all the tools they need to get started, Site Build It is a smart investment.
Now, back to Blogger . . . using Blogger, you can publish a site online in minutes. You can experiment with different templates and backgrounds and these are easily changed as your blog grows and your preferences change. Best of all, all of this costs absolutely nothing.
Domain Name
I would recommend getting a domain name with your keywords inclusive. For the $10.00 dollar cost it is more than worth it. You can do this right at Blogger and the transition only takes a couple of days. All your traffic redirects to your domain name. If you decide to go this route, simply go to "Settings," then "Publishing (very convenient and fast) to set this up.
Monetization
The next step is monetization. I've included the video below because it discusses, step-by-step, how to make money using Blogger. This video shows you how to:
- Set up a free Blogger blog
- How many posts to create
- How to earn from your blog
- How to generate traffic to your blog, using a neat approach for building backlinks.
How to Make Money With Google AdSense--Step-by-Step Guide
Blogger is a great platform to work with because it is so flexible regarding customization. I like that I can tweak it to my heart's content. Blogger has improved over time and now offers so many options for creation of great-looking sites. With all the new features, Blogger is becoming a serious contender for site-building and income generation online.
As mentioned in my profile, I've been successfully freelancing for about 20 years. I've written for both print and online publications, did a stint as an assistant prose editor, and have two published children's books in the Bedbug Books Series. I'm writing more children's books + some novels, squeezed in between my efforts at creating content and residual income online.
While I started out doing hard copy, in recent years my focus has shifted more and more to the Internet. Why? I'm impatient by nature and I love that I can publish instantly and not only generate income online but actually create passive monthly income. I make money by blogging and content creation--and you can too!
I share what I'm doing to earn residual income online and give tips and tricks at Write and Earn a Living for other aspiring writers/entrepreneurs who are looking for free or inexpensive methods to make money online.
Please join me, and may we all look forward to a prosperous future.
Blogging Resources
How to Set up a Custom Domain on Blogger
- Free Blogger Training Videos--How to turn your blog into a website, add PayPal/Buy Now buttons and more.
- If you are ready to turn things up a notch and want additional coaching, Darren Rouse is the go-to guy: 31 Days to Build a Better Blog --31 steps to build a traffic generating and profitable blog. Specific daily, weekly and monthly tasks: Click here to view more details
*If you found My Blogger Experiment interesting, please add your comments and spread the word by clicking the stars below. Thank you!
Questions?
You are helping people get started in making income on the net. Thank you. I actually learned something new.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Felix
Hi Felix,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!