When we started Healthful Pursuit, it was never about generating revenue. We also didn’t understand that “blogging” could generate revenue. As more and more people came to visit Healthful Pursuit, the cost for hosting started to increase. We also had other costs such as blog props, camera equipment, design work, and hired someone part time to help with technology bits. So, it became a necessity to start making money online to supplement the costs we were incurring.
Now, many years later, Healthful Pursuit has grown into our full-time business.
The number one question we get is: How do you make money blogging?
Let me try answering the question, based on our experiences, which include our successes and many, MANY failures.
There are many ways to generate revenue, for Healthful Pursuit, it was an evolution. The revenue sources changed over time and will probably continue to change as time goes on.
Here are four ways to generate revenue from your website:
Ad Revenue
Ad revenue is generated by ads placed on your site. There are a few ad networks that make it easy to get started, most notable Google AdSense. You will want to make sure ads are relevant to your audience; there is no point in annoying your visitors with ads about vitamins if you focus on electronics reviews.
Sponsorships
There are some amazing companies out there with fantastic products. Many of these companies are keen to work with real people to spread the message about their product, which creates a great win-win sponsorship opportunity. What’s important is that you really believe in the product, the company is really keen to collaborate, and that you’re honest and fair.
Referral Commission
If you believe in a product and really stand behind it, you may be able to get a commission for referrals. Many great companies have affiliate programs. This is another win-win opportunity.
Direct Sales
Selling products directly to your visitors is another opportunity to generate revenue. It doesn’t matter if you choose to sell physical products or digital products. It’s all about finding a product that helps another person; this could be a convenient hiking guide or a unique handmade necklace. Here’s are the digital products we sell on Healthful Pursuit.
There are many other ways you can generate revenue, such as ad revenue from YouTube videos or content production for others. If you are passionate about something and are committed to making it work over time, you’ll find what works for you.
We are convinced that a persistent focus on a topic you are passionate about is the foundation for success. For us, it was nutrition, for you, it could be woodworking, animals, parenting, car modifications, the list is endless.
For us, the revenue we make helps us fuel a team of 13 people, and allows us to do what we want, when we want to, namely Explorking!
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One of the biggest draws to the Healthful Pursuit website is that it's uncluttered and focused. Great work keeping it streamlined. It actually makes me want to purchase items (and I have done so) in order to support your efforts, versus other sites that feel way too hawkish and difficult to maneuver because of all the advertising.