Thread: Discussion: Early Monetization?

Heya!

One of the first questions a new blogger asks is when should he begin to monetize his blog? Right from the start or after he builds up content and readers.

I feel a blogger can start from the start, but in limits. 125 x 125 sidebar ads will never hurt but adsense in content may be a turn off.

But then if the content is rocking, people will go through anything to learn it.

What do you think?

Cheers!

I voted for Option 1.

Should be an interesting debate.

I may / may not monetize my flagship blog from the start.

But I do monetize my niche blogs from the start. That's what they are made for. I won't want to lose a few sales.

That said, I'm expecting interesting opinions.

Personally I don't monetize in the early stages. With the 125x125 spaecs on my blog, I'd much rather have my own affiliate banners and then give away the other ones as prizes in contests (like your contest! )

I do this because entering prizes for contests is a great way of building traffic, and I can probably get more from the contest than from selling it directly. I'm sure in a month or so I'll start selling space/introducing Adsense, but for the time being I'm happy not monetising.

EDIT: As Swas said though, in a niche market it probably is best to monetize. I would recommend Adsense and also affiliate links for niche products

God, how did this thread remained so silent? It's actually a very interesting subject:

I think that bloggers should wait a little before trying to monetize their new site.

If you manage to get people to read and stay on your site, or in other words, loyal readers, than you'll have the green light to monetize your blog.
Basic blogging tip: If you want to be successful, focus on other people (i.e. your readers)... not your own little self!

Originally Posted by Nic SEO

Basic blogging tip: If you want to be successful, focus on other people (i.e. your readers)... not your own little self!

Definately. Blogs are NOTHING without readers, so you need to make your blog as attractive as possible to new users, especially in the early stages.

I hope Farrhad doesn't mind, but I've written an article on this subject that you can see here:
http://teenius.com/blogging/tips-for...ing-new-blogs/

Originally Posted by Simon

I hope Farrhad doesn't mind, but I've written an article on this subject that you can see here:
http://teenius.com/blogging/tips-for...ing-new-blogs/

Forums are a great way to get inspiration

But link backs never hurt And if you add a line about the forum...even better! :P

I prefer from the start, just do not use Google ADSENSE. It is very obvious you're trying to make money when you display Google ads.
1. It's unattractive
2. It's kills traffic
3. It's just not worth it unless you bring in 10,000+ visitors a day

I think a great way to begin early monetization is to offer banner ads for wicked cheap ($1-3) per month and then as your traffic grows you'll have consistent clients.

I reckon that both Marcell and Sneakyheathen are right. 125x125ads usually are much more stylish than Google Ads anyway... so there isn't much a problem if you add them on your blog early.

I think 125x125's should be put day 1 so your visitors know that you are not going to go ad free for life.