August 18th, 2012 
Jessica 
One of the questions that I often get, is “How much money do you make blogging?” My usual answer is, “Very little.” Although I have enjoyed my last 16 months of blogging at The Abundant Wife, I would be lying if I said that I am in it for the money. Earlier this week I thought that I ought to sit down and write out my expenses and profits, for tax purposes and out of curiosity. I was not surprised to find out that I ended my first year of blogging in the negative.
The Abundant Wife (March-December 2011)
Expenses:
Hosting (www.bluehost.com): -$95.40
Domain (www.GoDaddy.com): -$13.17
Profits:
Google Adsense: $0.59
Total: -$107.98
However, I was shocked this year when I received a direct-deposit to my checking account in February, and another in June! At this point, I am delighted that I will end 2012 in the positive. Woohoo!
The Abundant Wife (January-August 2012)
Expenses:
Hosting (www.bluehost.com): -$107.40 (Expires March 2013)
Domain (www.GoDaddy.com): -$35.97 (Expires March 2014)
Profits:
Shareasale.com: $63.03
Commission Junction: $95.99
Total: $15.65
Of course, if you add up both years, I still end in the negative at -$92.33. So if you’re thinking of blogging for income, be forewarned that you may be in for a long uphill climb. Hopefully you’ll start making money faster than I have. But I have learned so much else over the past 16 months that cannot be measured by money. So before you give up entirely on the idea of blogging for income, consider how much time you are willing to invest, and what you are hoping to gain (aside from income). If you’re still excited about the idea of blogging, then jump in!
Have you ever considered blogging, or blogged for income? What advice would you give to new bloggers?
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One way to make progress into the positive is to reduce your hosting and domain costs. Call Brad (my Brad) he can get do your hosting and domain for a lot less (like only $100/year).
I agree that earning money from blogging is not as easy as some might think. It does take a lot of time to get a good reader base and experimenting with what type of advertising works best for your blog type. For sure it’s not a “get rich quick” thing!
Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind. I have a long time to go until my next renewal for now. I’ve heard from many bloggers that you have to be willing to blog for 18 months or more before you really start to see some results. At 16 months, I’m hoping that won’t be too much longer! 😉
I’ve never monetized — but looks like you aren’t doing bad for only doing it for such a short time! I’m impressed!
Thanks! It’s fun to think that I’m being “paid” to write for the first time in my life. 🙂
Ugh, THANK YOU!!! I’m screaming this from the top of a mountain at the top of my lungs, seriously, thank you. For so many reasons, since I’m sure you’re wondering. First off, that I’m not crazy and that this whole project of mine is not all for naught. Secondly, because all those people who make it sound SO flippin’ easy – this puts things in perspective. Lastly, for your outright honesty and naked truth. I hope things get better for you and I’m glad everything is turning over into true income.
When I first read your comment, it took me a moment to figure out what post could have you so excited! I laughed when I saw which one it was. About a year ago, I saw another blogger post similar stats, suggesting that you had to be willing to give it at least 18 months before you decided whether or not to give up. So at 16 months I’m glad to finally be coming out in the positive. I’m glad you appreciated the post, and thanks for your encouragement on Money Saving Mom’s site too!
Hey girl,
Question … what is the difference between a domain and a hosting site?
What are the reasons for having these?
If you get a chance, I’d love some info on this. Thanks!
Katherine
First, if you want to learn how to blog, Amy Lynn Andrews is beginning her “How to Start a Blog or Website” (http://bloggingwithamy.com/how-to-blog-faq/) series again, the same one I followed in 2011 that taught me everything I currently know about blogging. If you subscribe to her website you can get the updates as she posts them, and work on one thing at a time. She goes through all the basics, which was great for me because I did not know ANYTHING about all this stuff before I began following her. 🙂
Second, I’m not even sure how to answer this one myself, I just know I need both. So I’ll leave it to this article from Amy: http://bloggingwithamy.com/what-is-a-blog-blogging-is-like-ice-cream/. I hope that helps! 🙂
I hope you’re enjoying your new classes! –Jess
I came across your blog thru moneysavingmom.com. We are both doing the 30 day house cleaning challenge. I am currently trying to figure out how to get ads on my blog to at least start a trickle of income. I have tried Adsense several times without success. Do you like the ad sites you work with? Is it easy to get your blog approved? Any advice would be great appreciated.
I would advise following Blogging With Amy. I’m not making any money from blogging at the moment, though I wish I was! I have a friend who makes money blogging, so I think I may have to sit down with her for some one-on-one help. 🙂