How Tech Savvy Do You Have to Be To Make Money Blogging?

This is what I posted about over at BloggingTips.com today. I was pondering this as I wrote the almost 2,000-word tutorial that was yesterday's post, ie, How to Make Money Blogging by Selling Your Blog Posts.

Writing that post made me realize two things: (i) I have a lot to learn; and (ii) I know a lot more than I thought I did. According to Technorati's 2006 State of the Blogosphere report, "As of October 2006, about 100,000 new weblogs were created each day." That's 36.5 million new web presences a year! Holy kamolie!

At the time, Technorati was only tracking 56 million blogs. It currently tracks over 112 million, so the numbers are probably even higher today, a full one and a half years later. While many of these blog will die off, they still get in the way of you making money online as a blogger, web entrepreneur and/or internet marketer.

The three tips I outline in today's post was designed to do two things: (i) make you crystallize what you know; and (ii) help you to realize what you may be lacking.

While making money online is fun (I still cant' believe I'm able to do it, which means you can too), it is a lot of work. But, becoming more tech savvy can make it an easier journey. Enjoy the post.

Article Marketing Contest Update: Yesterday, I submitted, A $15/Per Article Writing Gig - It's For Real! to ArticleAlley.com. No posts today -- swamped and on deadline.

INKWELL EDITORIAL NEWS & NOTES

Have a Burning Freelance Writing Question? I'm devoting the next issue of the newsletter (6/25) to questions from readers. So, if you have a question you want to ask me, send it in [info [at] InkwellEditorial.com]. I'll answer as many as I can (in truth, I'll try to get to all of them). If I don't have the answer, I'll tap some of my sources (time permitting).

If you've been wondering about a particular niche on freelance writing, have a marketing question, a how to deal with a client question, a pricing question -- anything on freelance writing (or blogging), just send it in. You can remain anonymous if you want.

Useful Freelance Writing Links
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Get Affordable Content for Your Website, Ezine, Etc.

Advice, Tips, Case Studies & More on Freelance Writing

Sincerely,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
How to Start a Successful Freelance Writing Career Newsletter
P.S.: Want the liberty of working from home as a freelance writer in your PJs, getting assignments via the internet? Click here for more on How to Make $250+/Day Writing Simple, 500-Word Articles. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.
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Previous Issue. Spotlight on How to Make $75,000 to $100,000/Year as an SEO Writer. In this issue, I dispense the 8 keys to my success as an SEO writer. There are some definites that must gel to find success in this field. I outline them all here. And of course, it’s based on my own personal experience. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.

Current Issue. Spotlight on Newbie Freelancers. Wanna learn how one freelancer landed enough clients to quit his job in just 12 hours? And, there's also some blog warning tips if you're looking to move your blog from one platform to another -- and more. Subscribe to read this, and all previous, issues.
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Why Freelance Writers Shouldn't Blog for Money

I ran across a post on Problogger.net the other day entitled, How to Make Money Blogging - What We Wish We Knew. The post basically was about things bloggers wish they knew when they first started out.

As Darren Rowse, the webmaster at Problogger put it: “In this post I’ll share readers comments on the topic of making money from blogs as well as some of my own experiences and advice.”

One comment from a reader stood out to me, which inspired this post on why I don’t think freelance writers – in general -- can ever make a livable income blogging. While there will always be some exceptions to the rule, as a whole, I don’t think it’s a pursuit most of us should spend our time on.

Following is why.

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Blogger Chris @ Martial Development commented: “I wish I had known that your choice of niche will affect your contextual ad revenue by a factor of 100! And that certain niches can therefore never, ever be profitable with Adsense!”

Bloggers make their money from advertisers. And, many start with Google’s Adsense program. If you don’t know what it is, click here to learn more.

When people click on the ads, you are paid a certain amount. Certain categories pay more. For example, an ad about a tech product like “gaming software” may pay out a lot more than an ad about “freelance writing jobs,” which is an ad typically found on many freelance writers’ websites.

As I wrote in my 5/30/07 post, Why Freelance Writers May Be the Poorest Internet Entrepreneurs (Part I of II), “Much of new technology is for tech people: It seems that every new piece of software that comes out is for tech people.” And, advertisers in this genre are willing to pay handsomely for new customers.

When you consider the payoff (ROI (return on investment)) for tech companies in acquiring new customers, they can afford to pay more to those blog owners who carry their ads.

Is the ROI (Return on Investment) Worth It for Freelance Writers When It Comes to Blogging?

Consider this: According to softwarereality.com, “. . . projects having an ROI less than 100 % may not be undertaken.” How is ROI calculated?

ROI = ( PROFITS / INVESTED CAPITAL ) x 100

The ROI for each project is compared with the invested capital on a yearly basis. ROI analysis means that where expected benefits and costs are realized within the same year of implementation of the project, the project is more likely to proceed.

The whole point of this post? UNLESS you specialize in a high-paying niche like tech or medicine, don’t expect the payout from ad programs like Adsense to pay you much. You may have to generate 100 times the traffic to see the same payout as a blog in another, better paying niche.

So, given this, why blog?

TOMORROW'S POST: In tomorrow’s post, I’ll discuss two easy things you can do to turn your blog into an effective marketing machine – and it won’t even feel like marketing!
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Upcoming Features in Inkwell Editorial’s Newsletter

July 18: Paula Mooney. Blogger who helps other bloggers “make money, get readers and increase their blog’s ranking.” Paula will reveal how she makes money online, and how she’s built a very popular blog in only a few month’s time.

If you currently have a blog, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss this interview!

August 15: Meryl K. Evans. I tapped Meryl for an interview because she’s found success in the B2B niche. Meryl has written for some pretty notable clients, eg, PC Today, O’Reilly and Pearson to name a few.

This is where the real money in freelance writing is folks (B2B). I’m as anxious to see what she has to say as I hope you are!

September 12: Gordon Graham. We ring in the “editorial season” by interviewing Gordon Graham, aka “that white paper guy.” Gordon writes and edits white papers and case studies. He charges $90/hour just to edit a white paper and a minimum of $4,000 to produce a white paper from scratch.

Now, do you see why I had to interview him?! Most freelancers don’t even dream of making this type of money. I can’t wait for this interview.

NOTE: As editorial is cyclical and slow during the summer, in July and August, the newsletter will be published once. In September, we go back to our twice-monthly publishing schedule. Subscribe today so you don't miss anything!**************************************************

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$132,994.97 in Google Earnings!

It's Friday and I'm still in my writing funk. BUT, like a junkie with a drug habit, I felt the need to post today -- something I usually don't do on Friday's.

So, I'm bringing you this little missive.

What about the Google earnings you mention in the title? I'm gettin' there.

Alas, the check didn't belong to me -- it belonged to Jeremy Schoemaker, the brain behind ShoeMoney.com. Of it, he writes, "This was the bigest paper check I have ever recieved. It was way back in August of 2005 and since I have moved to wire transfers so dont look for anything bigger from me."

I ran across Jeremy's site in Paula Mooney's blog -- specifically, her post on blogger salaries, which, if you read yesterday's post, will see that I referenced. Paula -- geniously I think, compiled a list of blogger salaries.

While some moan that it's incomplete, it's a good snapshot on who's making what in the blogosphere.

For grins, giggles and "I want that" envy, click here for more Google checks featured on ShoeMoney.com. Now, does that inspire you to get going on a site!

Enjoy and be inspired.

Until Monday,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Have you checked out Inkwell Editorial's work-from-home ebooks yet? The are some great deals on this first-hand advice on how to succeed as a freelancer, and it makes great weekend reading (hint, hint: buy today).

Monday's Post: Are you making 50K or more? Do you worry about being down-sized? Have you been down-sized? Career advice for mid-level managers.

Blogs That Make You Think . . .And/Or Do Other Stuff

On April 26th, Lillie Amman awarded this blog the Thinking Blogger's Award. As described on her blog:

Iker Yoldas at The Thinking Blog* created the award and describes the award and the rules in Thinking Blogger Awards. The award recognizes blogs that make people think, and those who receive the award then pass the award on to five blogs that make them think.

*NOTE: This blog is no longer online, but the award lives on. Tres cool! {NOTE: Cartoon courtesy of www.weblogcartoons.com.}

Needless to say, I was flattered beyond belief. So, for my five picks:

1. Problogger.net: If you want to know about blogs, this is THE blog to go to. Darren (the blogmaster) is a six-figure blogger and the depth of information to be found on this site is astounding -- especially about monetizing a blog.

Other things I like about this blog -- it's professionally written; the topics are timely and relevant; and the best thing about this blog -- the information is in-depth and helpful.

Darren doesn't gloss over topics like a lot of blogs do. He really goes into detail so you always come away feeling like you got a new, better and/or different take on an issue.

2. The Golden Pencil: This blog reminds me of my own in the sense that it relays helpful information to freelance writers via articles. It also lists jobs for freelance writers and has links to other blogs on freelance writing.

3. Paula Mooney's Blog: I first encountered Paula's writing on AssociatedContent.com. A black woman who knows tech stuff -- I was jealous and incredulous all at once.

Paula writes across a broad spectrum and her pieces have great headlines that just suck you in. Eg, a recent entry is Paula's List of Blogger Salaries...Are you on the list? Who wouldn't click on that?! NYU School of Journalism, you should tag her blog to teach how to write effective headlines.

FYI Paula, I'm going to tap you to help me cowrite a book on tech stuff -- as soon as I can finish formulating the idea in my head -- this should be before the year 2020.

4. Hot Diggity: This is Jenna Glatzer's blog. She's a successful freelance writer who's collaborated on a book about Celine Dion, has authored children's books and was the founder and editor-in-chief of AbsoluteWrite.com, one of the best freelance writing sites on the web.

Even though I first ran across Jenna's writing while doing some research on freelance writing for an article a few years ago, I read her blog not because she is a fellow freelance writer, but because her sense of humor cracks me up.

On her blog, she writes about almost everything but writing -- which is the blog's purpose -- to get away from writing about and promoting writing.A sample of Jenna's humor can be found in the following missive from her 2/7/07 post:

I love my electronic toothbrush, but it seems I can't handle it. I manage to get toothpaste on myself about every other day. And toothpaste has this supernatural quality-- you can rinse it off, really rubbing the fabric so it looks like it's all gone, and when it dries, poof! The toothpaste is still there. Taunting you. Like those birthday candles you can never blow out.

5. Jason Kottke's blog: I rarely check in to Jason's blog anymore, but for a while it held me spellbound because he made a big splash in 2005 when he quit his job as a web designer to blog full time. Stories were all over the net and in newspapers about it.

Jason's been blogging almost daily since 1998 -- which is a major feat, when you consider that most bloggers give up after a few months. During the year that he blogged full-time (he gave it up as a full-time gig in 2006), he raised $39,900 from 1,450 donors. Read an update in this piece.

Jason blogs about any and everything and his blog is neat and well organized -- always a big hit with me. I check it out from time to time out of loyalty and admiration.

So, there you have it -- my picks.

I don't spend too much time reading blogs because as a full-time freelance writer, time is money and I'm usually trying to beat a deadline.

To Darren, Anne, Paula, Jenna and Jason -- continued success with your blogs.

Sincerely,
Yuwanda
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
P.S.: Re the freelance writing e-books that I've been promising will be back online forever and a day now. Finally, finally got them proofed and ready to upload. BUT, what happens. Software problems -- arrgghhhh! Got the kinks worked out last night and -- fingers crossed -- just have to put in the PayPal codes for payment and back up they will be by tonight (I pray!).

P.P.S.: Look for the great discounts!

Tomorrow's Topic: What to Do When You're Tired of Writing (Advice for Freelance Writers)
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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I want to apologize for the delay in getting to this post. I was recently in a car accident and suffered severe whiplash; am getting better with the help of a wonderful chiropractor.

Sincerely,

Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com

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Now, on to the much-delayed Part III of this post, Lessons Learned from Two Years of Blogging.

Lesson 11: Reference other blogs. Referencing other blogs means that you must read other blogs. Much like reading a newspaper to know what’s going on in the world, read other blogs to find out what’s going on in the blogosphere.

POST CONTINUED BELOW
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Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.

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Lesson 12: Stay on top of blog technology. Referencing other blogs benefits you in numerous ways, namely:

i) Updates you on new blog technology. Want to learn which technology allows you to blog faster, make more money, advertise your blog better, etc.? Like all mediums, blog technology changes rapidly. Consult other blogs to stay abreast of it.

FYI, Darren Rowse’s blog, problogger.net, is a great one to consult about all things related to blogs – software, increasing income, pervading opinions on blogging, etc.

ii) Increases your blog’s rank. Especially if you link to high-ranked blogs like http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com, http://www.thegoldenpencil.com, and http://www.writersweekly.com.

Lesson 13: Copyright your material. Many blog without ever thinking about how they might earn income from it down the line. Most think in terms of making money from the ads that appear on their blog.

BUT, you never know when your ideas – the text itself – can become invaluable. I copyright all of my material. Why? A little story:

I was watching Oprah one day and Dolly Parton was her guest. She asked her about her finances and where most of her income came from. She said from her songs, as in, the publishing rights to the library of over 3,000 songs she’d written.

When Whitney Houston recorded I Will Always Love You (yes, that was written as a country song by Dolly), she said she made a mint. Her songs have been sampled, re-recorded used in movies (she wrote the hit, Working 9 to 5, for the popular movie, in which she starred), etc.

Every time any of these happened, she was paid.

So, while it may seem like your copy is disappearing into a black hole on the net and no one cares about it but you, you never know who is reading it and may have a valuable use for it.

Lesson 14. Make your blog posts serve double duty. What do I mean? Each entry I make into my blog serves three purposes:

i) first and foremost, it’s a blog post;

ii) second, I circulate this material to free article directories to drive subscribers to my site; and

iii) sell it whenever possible.AssociatedContent.com pays for content – whether it’s been published before, or not. It’s a nominal payment (pay ranges from a low of $3 up on up to $40), but I figure, as long as I’ve written the material, I might as well get paid for it.

Other Ways Your Blogging Can Pay

a) It serves as a body of work to show to potential clients; b) You can dig deeper into a topic – I try to keep my posts to between 700-900 words. See my 10/10/06 post for why I think this is an ideal length for articles/blog posts.

You can also do a web search for an article I wrote entitled, Why Longer Articles Make You More Money. It’s found on several sites on the web.

However, many times I’ve written a post and wanted to learn more about a subject in order to sell the piece, which I go on to do. This brings me to my next lesson:

Lesson 15. Use series whenever possible. Many write to me wanting to know how I find fresh topics to write about, especially as I write within a niche. One of the ways I expand posts so that I don’t run out of material -- which you never have to worry about even if you don’t use this tip -- is to write series (eg, Part I, Part II, etc.).

Like soap opera cliffhangers, series not only allow you to break longer posts into smaller ones, it gives readers a reason to come back. If readers think enough of your writing to return again and again, before long, you will build a loyal readership who come to trust and rely on your blog.

Lesson 16. Link back to articles on your blog. Why? Quite simply, I find that it creates connectivity and gives readers a sense that you really know what you’re talking about.

If you’ve written a body of work that is so valuable that readers can find useful info in posts from a year ago, then you’re on your way to becoming more than just a blog; you’re building a resource – with you as the “expert.”

Tomorrow’s Post: Cash in My Pocket -- Some Benefits I’ve Derived from Blogging (And How You Can, Too!)
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.

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