SEO for Bloggers: How to Monetize Your Audience
When you've blogged for a time and gained a following, you may be asking yourself, what's next? What can I do to make money from my blog?
The data shows that around three-quarters of bloggers utilize a monetization strategy. Affiliate marketing and advertising are two popular strategies, but you can also incorporate the ability to sell products on your blog. This can be even more exciting and lucrative -- especially for creative or entrepreneurially-minded people -- and can help grow your reach.
Do you blog about nutrition? Why not write a recipe eBook or offer cooking online lessons, or even sell memberships with exclusive benefits? It's possible to take it one step further, selling virtual consultations online or even physical items.
There's no "one-size-fits-all" strategy in this case, and that's the thing that makes it so exciting.
What bloggers can do to harness the power of eCommerce
In many cases, online stores create a blog to draw readers who are their intended market. It is an advertising strategy to boost ranking on search engines and establish credibility with the people who are most likely to become customers.
If you're a blogger you've already mastered one of the most challenging obstacles in eCommerce marketing. You're a skilled writer and are attracting an audience that's grown to appreciate your efforts as well as your views. Whether you've been blogging for the past year or more years, your readers already show interest -- which is only half the challenge.
What are the products bloggers can sell?
Here are some ideas for monetizing your blog:
- Sell guides or eBooks. It's a great way to monetize your greatest source of material! Which are your most popular articles? Do you know how to integrate them into a comprehensive informational guide? If, for instance, you're woodworker, then you can draw the inspiration of your top 10 articles and develop "The Beginner's Guide to Woodworking," with tons of fresh examples, FAQs, photos and other information. Create something of value for the people who are already awed by your posts They'll be supportive of you.
- Give the ability to join online community and forums. It gives your customers the chance to communicate with each other, ask questions, and create a a community around your brand. Consider this as your very own social media channel, only with more flexibility and control. If you write about the parenting of toddlers for instance it is possible to create an open forum for the parents who are following you. They could share their suggestions for summer activities as well as school lunches, learn by sharing their experiences and have the chance to interact directly with you!
- Sell consultations or online classes. After you've developed an engaged, loyal audience, a lot of them would be willing to pay for a more thorough exploration of your area of expertise. It's possible to offer photography classes such as, say, personal workout coaching.
How can you integrate an online store on your blog?
Ready to get started? Let's dive into how you can add an eCommerce store to your blog. If you're using WordPress You're one step ahead!
1. Determine what product to offer (and how to sell it)
We've looked at a variety of ideas for making money with your blog -- now you need to choose the best option for you! It will obviously, impact all of the decisions you make from here on out.
The first thing to do is be aware of your audience's needs. What will they find most helpful and what will they most likely be willing to pay for? Think about the type of media they interact with and the products they use already. It is possible contact their social networks or contact them via email and include a survey for their feedback direct.
If you choose to take tips, create an online group, develop online coursesor various other products that are digital then you don't need to worry about things like inventory management or shipping. You will, however, have to consider any tools you'll need. If, for instance, you want to create online classes, you may make use of a software such as the Sensei LMS and build the courses and deliver the courses for your pupils.
If you are selling physical goods however, you will need to consider what you can do to get them into the hands of your clients. You don't always have to handle inventory and shipping yourself, though. There are two great alternatives for bloggers:
2. Install
Furthermore, you'll be able build and manage your store using the same dashboard and processes you're used to.
To install :
- Visit Plugins - Add Newin your WordPress dashboard
- Find for ""
- Click Install Now - activate
3. Create to your products
You'll add products similarly as you do with blog posts. The process varies a bit based on the type of product you're selling. Below are a few examples with links to specific instructions to each:
4. Connect a payment processor
5. Create a shipping schedule
If you're shipping physical products, you'll need to decide the best way to price delivery and the processes that you'll employ to deliver items. Do you want to offer free shipping or charge a charge? Are you interested in sending packages via USPS, FedEx, or another service? How much will it cost you to mail each package?
6. Extensions can be added
Here are a some great extensions that bloggers can use for bloggers:
That's just the choices to choose from! The extensions marketplace has tons of useful tools to assist in everything from marketing and design to merchandising and taking payment.
7. Get the word out!
After you've established your shop, you'll need to spread the word to people around you. The good news is that you don't have to work as a salesperson accomplish this. Actually, you don't need to! Make a blog announcement of the new products and talk about how excited you are. Show behind-the-scenes pictures of the process. Make an announcement on your email list.
However, in general, you'll just want to make your store available to your readers who are loyal and casually mention things as they fit naturally into the content. Include a link in your footer that asks for donations. Or create a blog post on your upcoming adventure and ask for donations if people would wish to participate. Add a photo of you wearing your T-shirts or tell a story of someone exciting who just joined your group. You don't want to push business at the expense of the thing that has brought you great success so far -- your great content!
Are you prepared to begin the exciting journey and get into the many possibilities of blogging and eCommerce? Start today!