Channeling Your Interests for Fun and Profit
Sometimes I have to pinch myself, being paid to blog is that good. I get to work from home, surf the web for my job and make some great friends. Who wouldn’t love chit-chatting about things that fascinate and energize us and get paid for it?
In one week I get to write about all sorts of topics that interest me, everything from productivity and technology to writing, marketing and of course blogging tips right here.
There are things to remember though before we get carried away:
- Niches matter - Not all niches will pay well. Some are very difficult to directly monetize using ads and such, and if they are difficult for you to monetize then by the same logic people will be less willing to pay well for you to blog for them.
- Hobbies vs Work - Sometimes when your hobby becomes work you lose some of your motivation and interest. As I commented over at this Blog Herald post, I started a digital photography blog out of interest but after a while I became so money-focused I lost the passion I once had for the hobby. Now I am pulling back and trying to think of it as fun rather than work again.
- What can you add? - There are some topics that are so popular they are extremely crowded. Can you add anything to the conversation or will you be simply recycling third-hand echoes from the niche echo chamber?
When you are considering topics, especially when you are looking at a long term commitment or freelance blogging contract, carefully consider what you will be able to write about with enthusiasm long term.
Have you started writing on a blog only to find you lost steam? Please share your tips in the comments …
maneesh | November 23rd, 2007 at 10:52 am #
I had a similar experience..
a year or so back I had started this blog of mine which I had no doubt was on its way to be the best blog ever. I had everything set, right from political issues to page 3..”my” views on everything.. come on’ who wouldn’t want this I used to think
I started out with it not monetize it but to make myself popular as a blogger..
The topics were interesting for me and I used to whine with a passion, but soon I was only focussed on getting to impress people, trying hard to be funny, writing things just for the sake of it.. in a matter of weeks I stopped doing it.. I realized I was blogging for all the wrong reasons..
Chris Garrett (Post Author) | November 23rd, 2007 at 10:56 am #
Do you think you could get back the enthusiasm for it Maneesh?
Patrick | November 23rd, 2007 at 3:14 pm #
As a new blogger since October 1st, this crossed my mind before I went to production. While I was excited about my blogging project, I was afraid that the lack of revenues would discourage me at one point. But today, almost 2 months later, I don’t care about monetization, the growth of my blog and the contacts and projects I have started with established Pro Bloggers became my source of inspiration. I’m more excited today by what’s coming up for me than I was on Oct 1st, the day I officially launched my site.
Patrick
m07 | November 23rd, 2007 at 4:05 pm #
nice post.i also like blogging.its fun to sit at home and earn.better then going out all day and rubbing your back off.
satellite tv | November 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 pm #
I have a blog and earn money, but I don’0t making money out of it. Just making some services.
Floor Mats | November 24th, 2007 at 7:32 am #
I make some money with adsense but its like 0,14 per day. I’m very poor
Pankaj | November 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pm #
I’m totally agree with you. we do lost motivation and interest when our hobby becomes work. But it is also true that you should always start with what you like most. Because you know more about what you like then a thing that not interest you.
Domain name info | November 24th, 2007 at 4:09 pm #
It’s better to create good relationships con other bloggers, the will support you at any time
indian seo firm | November 24th, 2007 at 6:58 pm #
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Shopping malls and Wedding ideas | November 25th, 2007 at 8:42 am #
I made money with a blog, but the bad thing is that you change your blog only to get moreoney and visitors start to feel uncomfortable.
Bonnie | November 25th, 2007 at 8:28 pm #
I love blogging but have yet to find a way to make money at it. Most people who read my blogs enjoy the ‘personality’ that comes through. I love my day job and it gives me great benefits and time to write - but is not quite paying the bills - I have to find a way to enjoy what I write and to make money doing it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bonnie
Chris Garrett (Post Author) | November 26th, 2007 at 10:16 am #
Seems to be a lot of “keyword keyword” names appearing here. Or is Floor really a first name?
Rob Mead | November 26th, 2007 at 12:16 pm #
First of all, to be a really great blogger and make money at it takes time and patience. It also really helps if you have a great grasp of the English language, which unfortunately, a lot of you that have made comments on this topic surely do NOT have. You must go back to school and take an English course on how to write with a fluid grace, instead of assembling fractured sentences and thinking that somebody would actually pay you to write for their site. I certainly would not!
I’m not going to flagrantly advertise my own website to everybody reading this, but I assure you that reading all of my articles on the art of great blog writing will help your success, not hinder it.