One of the first things I did when I started this blog was install Google Adsense. I really didn’t know much about it (and admittedly still don’t know much), but it seemed like a good idea at the time and it made my blog seem fancy. By fancy, I mean that I had one blinking, rotating ad that made me feel legitimate. I figured “why not?”, and if I was lucky, I might even make a buck or two, right?
Well, it’s two years later and I haven’t seen the fruits of my Adsense labor. No offense, Google. I know there are a lot of blogs that experience great success with Adsense. I remember reading this fascinating post on Weddingbee Pro by Bee Kim about her experiences with blog advertising. If you haven’t read it, check it out. I was so inspired, and still am…but I certainly ain’t makin’ thousands of dollars a month! As if! In fact, at this very moment in time, I’ll fess up and say it:
I’m not sure why I have Adsense.
I have made like $20 in two years. And a lot of that revenue has come from the past few months due to increased blog traffic and clicks.
But here are some pros:
1) I don’t mind the Adsense ads (Except for the one dating site featuring 12 year old girls in their underwear. Me no likey that ad.) Other than that, most of them are very helpful and relevent.
2) It is low maintenance. I really don’t mess around with it much.
3) Adsense is one easy way to track your hit counts.
For the most part, I’m not opposed to advertising on my blog. I would eventually love to promote small businesses on here. But, currently I am looking into other advertising networks. Specifically, BlogHer has caught my eye. I like their community and they seem to be all about women. How nice. Also, they recently contacted me letting me know that I can apply for BlogHer advertising. (Yes, they have a waiting list.) Anyone a part of BlogHer advertising?
So even though my blog is small potatoes, for whatever it’s worth, it has made me think about this whole advertising thing which I have avoided thinking about for a long time. I don’t know. Maybe I should just stick with Adsense. I’d be interested to read other small-ish bloggers’ experiences with Adsense or other similar advertising networks.
Please share! Let’s help each other out. And now I sound like an episode of Sesame Street. But seriously, go Team Small-ish Blogs! 🙂
Krista
I had adsense on my wedding blog, and I haven't even made one cent. Ha! I like to read your posts/thoughts on blogging. Your blog is more advanced than mine, but I feel a connection to it since I kinda know you. You're a real person (yes, I know other bloggers are, too, but I don't have that connection). I am really enjoying this posts and reflections on blogging!
Geek in Heels
I don't think of my blog as a way to make money. Hence, I've never done AdSense (or other ad networks) and I don't plan on doing so anytime soon unless my blog suddenly becomes immensely popular. This is because from what I've read, you really don't make much money from AdSense unless your blog gets TONS of traffic, and I'm not quite at the point.
I have, however, been contacted by individual advertisers numerous times and I almost always decline, unless the product is something I really believe in. The one exception was when someone offered me $100 to make ONE word in ONE blog post into a link to a startup. I checked the site and it seemed legit, so I happily obliged.
One thing I DO do is having an Amazon Associates account, and whenever I link to a product that is sold by Amazon and someone buys that product using my link, I get a small percentage of the sales price. Again, I would never link to anything unless I would recommend the product. I've made a couple of hundred dollars in the past year doing this, which isn't much, but it's another way for small bloggers to make money.
Chic 'n Cheap Living
I'm not good at this, but have heard about a few small online advertising sites (will have to dig up the names for you). Otherwise I was thinking about Blogher too.
I am ok with and post my personal invites/affiliate links. I've gotten random Ruelala credits and it's not much but offsets my own shopping. 🙂
Mrs.LifeAccounts
Way back in the day I tried applying to blogher and they had a waiting list and I never heard of them so I kinda just moved on. Currently I don't have any ads on my blog not that I am opposed in any way, just haven't ever been asked! I would love the chance to offer more giveaways and fun contests on my blog (which is were I would funnel any money the blog made), maybe one day, right? Blogher is personally my favorite but I guess they're all booked up when it comes to my blog!
Katie
I've made about $7 on AdSense in 1.5 years.
The best way I've found to promote my blog has been through the Weddingbee community (not just promoing my blog there, but being an active member and forming relationships), and through Twitter.
I don't ever see my blog as being profitable, because I honestly don't think I'm committed enough to make it so.
I like the idea of Blogher and if i were you–i would go for it! Until or unless your blog becomes big enough to support individual sponsors.