how not to make money on your blog
Posted on by Debbie

#6 Tips on How NOT to make money or get a gazillion views in your first month of blogging

How NOT to make money or get a gazillion views in your first month of blogging – or even your first six years!!

Why?

Why are so many bloggers’ lives so skewed towards making money quickly or getting a gazillion views/followers in a short amount of time?

I am getting quite tired of seeing all these types of posts.  Pinterest is where they tend to hang out the most.

If I was making all that much money why do I want to tell you all about it anyway???

I don’t have an issue with people making money from blogging, it’s a natural progression for some and they’re really good at it.  It’s the way some of them have to continually sprout their successes and is it just me or does it seem like the time frames are getting shorter and shorter??  Started a blog today, then expect a gazillion views by tomorrow!

Are we all getting that shallow that we crave millions of  followers/likes/views and expect them in the first few months of a new venture? I’ve been blogging for over six years now and can hardly acclaim to be a prolific blogger, or even shock horror – an influencer – and you know what,  I happen to like it that way!!

And don’t get me started on the all the follow/unfollowing business that goes on!!

social media

My #6 top tips 

So in answer to these annoying posts, I decided to write my own silly, annoying (and sarcastic) post on the subject.

  1. Don’t sign up for any affiliate scheme – simple as that!  You definitely won’t make any money that way!
  2. Don’t fall for the quick get rich scheme – if it sounds too good to be true – in terms of gaining new followers, making money, sales, views, whatever – remember it usually is too good to be true!
  3. Blog simply because you enjoy it – there’s no pressure that way, except from yourself!
  4. Ignore social media pressures – the new Facebook algorithm is doing so many peoples’ heads in, it’s not funny!  But if you ignore all that and just coast along happy with your 80 views on Facebook for your latest post you’ve shared, then all’s well with the world 🙂
  5. Smile – life is far too short to get too wrapped up in all the angst – read point #3 again
  6. Remember you’re not the only blogger out there writing about food/DIY/yummy mummy/travel/midlife…*insert niche here* – and you’re all touting for the same business. It’s a dog eat dog world out there at times!  I’d much rather interact and engage with a few choice bloggers, a few Facebook groups who get what I’m all about and leave it at that!

I could go on and on and on….but I decided to stop at 6 as 6 is my favourite number – can you begin to see why affiliate programs wouldn’t want me, even if I wanted to join them?

I’ve also decided to stop getting upset by all these silly posts, really to ease my mental health, it’s not good for me!

If you are able to make money from blogging good on you, I wish you all the success in the world but just don’t write vacuous posts telling me how I should be doing it too.

Blogging for me

Blogging for me is a fun activity, one I’ve undoubtedly learnt a lot from and one I don’t take too seriously.  I rarely have a  schedule, I don’t like self promotion, but do the minimal I have to, and I enjoy having my own little piece of the internet.

I do, however, love engaging with other bloggers and reading and commenting on blogs.  Not for what it can do for me, but for what I get out of it – I learn from others, I’m interested in the opinions and views of others and I truly care about other people.  I’ve written posts before on being confused by all the hype and getting myself into a state about it.  Maybe it’s that time of the year again!

That’s it really – I share my thoughts, my photos and bits of my life – it’s fun, doesn’t hurt anyone and I’m a happy little Vegemite 🙂  Especially now as I’ve just racked up 6 years of blogging and over 1000 posts!!

  • Yay! I've reached 1000 posts
  • Six years of blogging

Am I alone here??

What does blogging mean to you? I’d love to hear from you.

Deb xx

Tips on how NOT to make money on your blog

PS. Please don’t respond if you’ve taken offence at this – each to their own and just keep smiling, remember we’re lucky to be alive 🙂

Linking up with Denyse for #Lifethisweek – Selfcare, share your story

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Everyone has a story to tell!

Debbie - mother of a 40 year old

Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here

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107 Replies to “#6 Tips on How NOT to make money or get a gazillion views in your first month of blogging”

  1. Did you get into my head…..you mirrored my thoughts. I remember once writing a reasonably curt blog in response to all the well meaning advice I was receiving about how to reach more people and make money. I think I’ve since deleted it when I began to realise the advice was coming from people wanting to feather their own bank accounts. I just love what blogging adds to my life with no money involved. I think in around four years I’ve accumulated the grand some of around $4.50 in my account. Reading about other bloggers adventures prompts me to get off my butt and do something interesting myself.seeing all those wonderful photos prompts my other half (the photographer) to get his camera into action. And the best thing of all, is if I haven’t blogged for a while it usually means I need to get out and do something, and then I need to research a topic to provide a bit of basic info. It keeps me meeting new people, doing new things, and learning, learning, learning….

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  2. Congrats on your 6 years and 1,000 posts! WOW! I enjoy engaging with the bloggers I follow and those who follow me. All good tips you shared 🙂

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  3. I’m 100% with you on this topic! I’ve lost count of the number of brands/people who have invited me to join their affiliate schemes – but they honestly don’t seem to believe I’m not actually interested. I’d rather buy something & rave about it to all & sundry off my own back. I enjoy writing my blog for the fun of it – I enjoy chatting to those I interview; I love reading other blogs – I enjoy a variety but travel features high on my likes list …. and, like you, after 6 years plus of blogging, I am more than happy if just one person enjoys my ramblings! 😊

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  4. Thank you for this post! It made me laugh so much. I’m not a huge social media person, I think i have 500 followers unlike some “successful” bloggers with 40K. The couple times I even tried to think about boosting my social media game almost made my head explode! Gone were the days of writing just because it helped my soul, or because it was fun. Now if I didn’t get at least 50 views a day I was a MASSIVE FAILURE. Almost made me quit my blog! So now I’m on the same page as you. My blog is about spirituality but two of my last four posts have been about food and travel because, well, I just wanted to. Thanks for giving my ego the little reminder that it’s not that serious!!

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    1. Thank you for reading and leaving me a comment! I really appreciate it and I’m so glad you got something out of it! It’s got to be fun and something we enjoy otherwise what’s the point?? I’m so glad to hear you are doing and writing what works for you. Keep going 😊

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  5. Yes, yes and a huge yes! I blog for me, because I enjoy it and find it cathartic to have an outlet for my thoughts. While I get a buzz out of others reading and interacting with my blog, that really isn’t why I write it and I’m not interested in accumulating zillions of followers. Just a few like minded people is enough for me 🙂

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    1. That’s so good to hear! There are plenty who do it for other reasons and I’m sure they’re not having nearly as much as us!! Keep doing what you enjoy, I agree it’s very cathartic. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. 😊

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  6. This makes me feel less strange! I blog because I enjoy it. I love to write. I love the fact a few people enjoy reading what I have to say, and most importantly, it helps me clear my mind and gain focus. I blog for me. Others enjoy it (like five) and that’s AWESOME. I figure if you blog from the heart eventually someone else will connect. I would rather have connections than a million followers who haven’t really paid attention to what I am sharing.

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    1. It makes me so happy to read your comment. Blogging should be fun and enjoyable. I’m with you I’d much prefer conversations and connections over numbers of followers or views that might mean no real interaction. Great to hear from you, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

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  7. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on six years and 1,000 posts – WOW! You could be my blogging mentor, Debbie. 🙂 I’m going to hit my 1-year mark this month, and I think I’m up to 53 posts. My goal was to write one post a week for the first year, which I’ve just passed, so I’m happy. I love all your advice on blogging. I have to say, I haven’t even tried to make a penny off of blogging yet. I’m still trying to get a hand of writing, posting, and managing social media (how much should I try to do without my head spinning; which ones should I concentrate on; and am I even doing this correctly, ha!). I do enjoy writing and sharing my writing with others – this is what brings me joy. And, I completely agree with you on the fun of engaging with the blogging community. I would never have expected it to be as enjoying and fulfilling as it is.

    Loved your post, and congratulations! Xx

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  8. I blog for fun and to make connections. That’s it. I decided to pay extra so that there are no ads on my site because I find them annoying on other sites (unless the person truly is blogging as a business). I have a friend who started an interior decoration blog a while ago and is enjoying it, but I have a feeling her aspirations of making money from it might be disappointed. Good for you on your milestones, and good for you for blogging for enjoyment… if it’s not fun, what’s the point?

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    1. Yes I agree! I also pay extra not to have ads on my blog and I’ve had some help with social media but generally it’s just me writing for the fun of it. I wonder how may actually make enough money or what they aspire to? Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂

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  9. Debbie daughter and I wanted to make money when we started. I had just retired and she had gotten a full-time job and I wanted her home since I was also so I wanted to make money. Now it is something I do, she helps when I get overwhelmed because I like to share my thoughts.

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  11. I’ve been blogging for just over 4 years and have never made any money out of it, Deb. Why? Because when I discovered blogging it was for fun and enjoyment. I see and read far too much evidence of bloggers getting stressed out and made to feel guilty when they don’t read posts and/or leave comments every day. That’s not what blogging is about. It should always be for the enjoyment. And most of those that think they can make some quick money out of it usually get ‘blog burnout’ when the numbers don’t materialise.

    Congratulations on the milestones. You’re way ahead of me in the number of posts published.

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    1. Hello Hugh! Lovely to hear your thoughts on my post. Your comments are always appreciated and I value your thoughts. I agree that burnout is a real concern for many when the numbers and money don’t eventuate. But each to their own as my mother always says!
      In regard to my milestones, I’m really thrilled with my efforts to date. I’ll continue blogging until I don’t enjoy it anymore. Thanks for sharing too 😊

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  12. There is so much hype out in the world about making millions on your blog. I am sure most of the people who try to get rich quick fail because it just isn’t authentic. I used think I would monetize my blog. Now I realize the blog is for sharing my message. I make money, not from the blog but by writing paid posts, speaking engagements etc. things that are related to my writing. I refuse offers of guest posts that want to sell something – which is almost an everyday occurrence. i am, not going to sell my heart and soul for $50.

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  13. Hi Debbie,

    I absolutely LOVE reading posts like this! So many focus on making money on their blogs that they lose their voice and become one of those robot type bloggers. Writing to make a sale and not really putting their heart and soul into. I am happy to know people who blog because they enjoy it and just want to share their life’s experiences. Thank you for an encouraging post. Real bloggers do still exist! 🙂

    Muwah! xox

    Bren @ Splash of Cray

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    1. Hi Bren, your comment has made my day! I’m happy to say there are many real bloggers still out there and I love finding them too. I refuse to become a robot blogger pandering to the needs of others but I’m lucky I can just do what I want when I want – it’s my blog!! Lovely to have you visit and share your thoughts. X 😊

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  14. I really enjoyed this post, Deb. When I first started blogging, I hoped to reach hundreds, if not thousands. Kind of funny considering I had no idea what I was doing! Now I realize what I love most is the connection with others, responding to their comments and checking out their blogs. How would I do that if I had thousands of followers? I had also thought that eventually I might build my blog into something that could earn me a little spending money in retirement. Now I’m not so sure about that either. We’ll see. For now, I just want to blog for the joy of it. Thanks for speaking out for the “other side.” 🙂

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    1. My pleasure Christie, I’m glad you can relate to what I was trying to say. I admit I was a bit like you in the early days, no real idea at all! I have had thoughts of making money during the years I’ve been blogging but now it’s not on my agenda at all. I spend a lot of time reading, commenting and sharing blogs and I really enjoy the interaction with others like yourself who have interesting, informative and entertaining blogs. Thanks again for visiting and sharing your reasons for blogging.

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  15. Great post! I blog for me and because I love it.i make no money from my blog and I have no desire to. For a while I felt like the world of blogging was passing me by. Until I realised that I just want to be me and be authentic.

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    1. Great response Jennifer, I’m with you in regards to why I blog. I agree it’s hard at times in the world of blogging but I plan to stay true to why I started blogging int he first place. Thanks for joining in!

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  17. Ahhh the blogging for money thing. I get a little bit of pocket money now and then from it but I am not blogging to make money. If I were, I would be seriously delusional and very, very disappointed. It’s very hard to make a living from blogging!! I don’t even look at my stats to be honest. I don’t care how many are following me. I gave up worrying about all that a long, long time ago. I blog because I enjoy it. It’s an outlet. It allows me to be creative. It keeps my mind active, and I meet some fabulous people all around Australia and the world! 🙂

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Min and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate your insights as someone who does make some money from blogging. It’s good to hear that it can work but I understand it isn’t as easy as its often sprouted. I’m with you about blogging for enjoyment and that rings through your posts. I love the fact that I can be friends with people all over the world too. 🙂

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  18. I love the connection blogging gives me and the self expression, but I also love a couple of companies for whom I am an affiliate – they do pay me money, but only because i truly believe in them I am sure. I won’t become the next millionaire that’s for sure!

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    1. That’s great to hear Jan, I’d much prefer to read posts from people who believe in the products they’re promoting rather than doing it solely for money. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts 🙂

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  19. Absolutely nothing wrong with blogging as a hobby, to interact with other like minds and to air your news and views. As Leanne says though, these are probably the sorts of posts which get the most traffic anyway 😉 Blogging’s funny like that! Enjoyed your post 🙂

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    1. I know, it struck me as being a bit hypocritical but I was just sooo over it all at the time! I agree blogging is a fun activity and I liken it to having pen pals all over the world. I am in awe of most of my blogging buddies, as they seem to be so prolific and talented. It’s great to have you join in Jo, thanks so much for stopping by.

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  20. Deb this will probably be the post that gets a gazillion views – kind of ironic isn’t it? You made me smile though because I am in the same boat as you – I refuse to pay someone to tell me how to make my blog into something that I don’t want it to be. To add to your list I’d include – Don’t forget to join a pile of group boards on Pinterest that you then have to pay for Tailwind to pin onto for you and also Make sure you accept every offer that comes through your email to sell your soul and your blog’s integrity for a $50 payment (I am SO sick of seeing the posts on the same thing that pop up because they’ve all taken the $50 on offer for a post!) Anyway I loved this (and so did a lot of others and thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL – I’ve shared this on my SM (so you’ll get 3 more views if you’re lucky!)

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    1. Haha! I don’t think it will go too ballistic Leanne, and yes it’s quite ironic in some ways! I was just so over seeing the constant stream of same/same blog posts that I decided to take the ‘piss’ (for want of a better expression). I love your additions to the list and agree wholeheartedly. Thanks so much for sharing and enjoying my post, I really was worried about publishing it 🙂

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      1. I’m such a blogging cynic (and absolute top of the range cheapskate) that I’d never waste money on any of the courses that sucked Sue (and many others in). I just don’t see myself spruiking products to make a buck – I’d rather keep working and not sell my blogging soul. I also gave up on thinking I’d be the next Big Thing a long time ago and after seeing the demise/social annihilation of Constance what’s her name and her “Like a Queen” blog I’m relieved I’m not famous!

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  21. Hi Deb, I’ve always said blogging is a rollercoaster ride. When we start we are fresh faced and think we will be the next big thing – why wouldn’t we be when we have so much to offer? We soon come crashing to earth and I totally agree that making money from blogging is not achieved overnight – if at all. You need to run it like a business if you want to monetize. I am always trying to make my blog better and offer more to my readers but I gain the most reward from building relationships with other bloggers and my readers. Sometimes I get wound up about views and comparing and then I just slap myself around a little (LOL) and remember why I’m doing it! Great tips and thanks for the reminder to keep grounded.
    Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond

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    1. P.S. I like to think that rather than always tooting my own horn, I use my blog to encourage other bloggers to share their work. It is a great way to introduce my readers to those bloggers who I enjoy reading. x

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    2. I think I was in a real ‘mood’ when I wrote this originally Sue! I have nothing against people making money from their blogs and in fact think they are very clever to do so, but it’s the constant mush of posts that try to sell that idea of making millions of dollars overnight that irks me the most. I agree we need to stay grounded and I’m happy to slap myself around every now and again if that’s what is needed. Thanks for being so supportive and inclusive, you’re an awesome blogger 🙂

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      1. Oh I totally get where you are coming from. As a new blogger I almost went broke signing up for things that ‘I must have’ or to get my blog known. I wish I knew then what I know now my bank account would certainly be larger LOL:)

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  22. Great post! You are definitely not alone in these thoughts! The whole follow/unfollow business is so lame and it used to bother me a lot. Now I focus on the quality “friends” I’ve met online and don’t give a fig about the shallow “me, me, me” folks out there. I’m all about quality over quantity. Maybe that mentality comes with age… 🙂

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  23. What a refreshing post to read. You are definitely not alone here. I agree with you that everyone should read #3….and then read it again! Love this!

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    1. Thanks so much Donna for your words of support and understanding, This has been bothering me for ages and I was a bit worried about posting it but I decided to just do it 🙂 Yes read #3 everyone!!!!

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  24. My blog was just featured on Discover just two weeks ago, at the time it had 22 followers, only around 25 posts since August 2017 and was lucky to see 100 views a month.
    It’s gone a bit mad now of course.
    Hopefully the new few hundred followers will be get used to me not posting very often at all and just doing it my way because that was what I was doing before and I hope to carry on (although i’d be mad not to try to make use of some of those extra eyeballs by appealing to their wallets, but it’s not exactly a hard sell).
    Yep, nothing wrong with trying to just do your own thing and tin he way you want.

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    1. Good on you Bear! I love the fact that you were featured on Discover, congrats 🙂 I hope you enjoy the newfound exposure helpful to your blog and the new followers stick with you. No there’s nothing wrong with doing your own thing at all! Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment here 🙂

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  25. I blogged for many years with zero views and enjoyed myself tremendously. It’s also why I STILL enjoy blogging 🙂 While the views are great, it’s not the reason I blog. Some weeks I write 3 posts. other weeks, none. It depends on so many things. I have been blogging for 10 years now and cannot dream of doing anything else. It’s the most enjoyable thing I ever began 🙂

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  27. Such a great post and agree so much. All those posts are like weird get rich quick schemes. I’m happy blogging at my own paces and doing it how it how I want to. Thanks for posting to remind us all blogging isnt just about making money and millions of views.

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    2. Rachael, I thought the same thing. 80 FB views of my blog post? That would be great. I only get those kinds of views on videos and cartoons I share! Deb, I see those Pins all the time on Pinterest and most haven’t even got six months under their belt. Drives me crazy especially since it looks like everyone copied all the same blog post.

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  30. OMG, I was just about to respond with a torrid of abuse LOL.[why would anyone do that!!] On a serious note I do agree with you happy Ms Vegemite. Sincerely, Ms MARMITE

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    1. OMG, I was so worried for a minute Suz!! I’ve been drafting this for ages and Melanie told me it was good enough to publish so I hit the button. I’m not convinced it was a good idea but at the time I was in a bit of a mood 🙂 Very unlike my usual Ms Happy little Vegemite. Lovely to have you comment Ms Marmite 🙂

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      1. It was well written, and so VERY TRUE and honest. Debbie I enjoyed reading it. Melanie was right as daughters usually are 🙂

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        2. Thanks Deb, the feeling is mutual. I am sure she is looking forward to seeing you two just as much 🙂

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