Monetization

Part of the transformation of Dianna’s Writing Den into The Dabbler is creating a website that is more than just a blog. I’m changing my focus from actual freelance writing to website consultation, helping online business owners, freelance writers and authors recreate their websites and tighten their copy in order to become more successful, and there are several other changes I’d like to bring your attention to, some of which are still in the works. These changes can be applied to any blog to start bringing in a cash flow, and this list is a great place to start if you’ve been struggling to figure it out.

Monetization Strategies

1. Ads. You’ll notice two ads–one picture and one link–for the Blogelina writing courses in the sidebar, and at the very bottom of the page an adsense ad. Since helping other writers and forming a community are the main focuses of this site, not making money, I’ve kept these ads to a minimum so they don’t interfere with your experience of The Dabbler. I can also honestly recommend the Blogelina programs, since I took one of their classes and got free web hosting as well as an awesome experience. The Adsense ad I don’t have too much control over, which is why there’s only one.

2. Paid service packages. Eventually my plan is to offer three specific packages, all focused around helping you build your website with varying levels of involvement, which you will be able to buy easily off the website. I’m still learning how the shopping cart technology attached to my GoDaddy account works, so right now I’m only offering website consultations and I can’t accept credit cards, but I am working on this. I’m hoping to have a proper shopping cart up and running by the end of the summer.

3. Ebooks. My first ebook, The Ten Commandments of the Serious Writer, will most likely be a freebie, but I am working on a larger ebook designed to help you build and keep the necessary commitment to have the writing career you’ve always dreamed of. The book will be compilation of posts from Dianna’s Writing Den combined with new articles and writing exercises. I’m also finally finished my edit of Moonshadow’s Guardian, and while I am sending it out to critiquers one last time–email me if you’re interested–I feel that it is almost ready for publication too. My goal is to have one non-fiction ebook for sale and to have a contract for Moonshadow’s Guardian by this time next year.

While these are the direct methods I’m using to build an income, you’ll also notice some changes around here that are more directly linked to money. I’m working on creating a new logo for The Dabbler, as well as a landing page which will properly display all my available products/services. There’s also going to be a monthly newsletter which will share writing tips, inspiring quotes and the most popular posts on The Dabbler in any given month. I’m still working on the template for this newsletter, but you can sign up right now here if you’d like to receive this newsletter. You’ll also receive special offers and updates on my available products/services.

All of these methods can be applied to any blog. If you can write a blog about it, you can create an ebook based on your topic. The best blogs are designed to help people, and with a little creativity you can turn any blog into a springboard for your service/coaching program. So if you’re looking to make money from your blog, maybe it’s time to ask yourself some questions about how you can turn your knowledge into a helpful ebook or program.

Are you looking to monetize your blog? Share your plan here.