According to the June 2009 issue of Glamour Magazine, a full-time blogger makes a salary of $30,000 per year. Tina Su, owner of ThinkSimpleNow.com, was interviewed by the magazine and she disclosed this figure to the author. Tina admitted that she loved working from home and lived off of the revenue she received from ad sales on her blog. When I saw this figure, my heart skipped a beat. I mean, this shatters the perception that mainstream blogs such as Tina’s are goldmines for blog owners. Truth be told, if you aren’t Perez Hilton, chances are you aren’t rolling in the dough if you are a full-time blogger.
I spoke to Blogger, Robert Littal, owner of BlackSportsOnline and he admitted that the glamorous life that one often thinks of when thinking of a professional blogger, could be farther from the truth. “I still have to grind each month to meet my goals and expenses. Being a blogger is far from being a celebrity. We work hard, sometimes several hours a night perfecting our craft. You have to be at the top of your game at all times and there are really no days off. “I do quite well being a blogger but I am not a wealthy man by any stretch of the imagination. It’s nice that people think that, but honestly, I work damn hard for every penny the site earns.”
That led me to thinking about my situation. I always felt that if my blog paid for itself, I would be okay with it. I’m not expecting to get rich. I’ve always longed to be a writer but I never could get that big break I was in need of, so I thought starting my own blog would quench my thirst for writing. And if someone did happen to see my work, maybe it could be an avenue that would lead to other things.
A new blog starting off has an uphill battle to climb. There are millions of blogs on the Internet and yours has to compete with these other sites for clicks and traffic. You’ve got to be creative an inventive and willing to work long hours to ensure your blog’s success. And when you aren’t writing and creating, you have to pound the web-streets promoting your work and getting others to follow suit.
It’s hard out there for a blogger!
Revenue will come once you are established and have a steady audience, at least that is what I have been told from several bloggers who have been doing their thing for years. I would love for my blog to blow up to gigantic proportions, but I also know and understand that I have to pay my dues. I am in it for the long haul.
When starting a new blog, be patient, and remember it could take years for your blog to gain a following. Everyone can’t be Perez Hilton (nor would we all want to be), and keep in mind that the glamorous life is not often the life that is led by a blogger. Stay focused and keep grinding. That is what I plan to do!
Hello! I’m following you on Twitter and I wanted to check out your blog. You have wonderful writing skills and you should continue what you do. Since I am only a (very impatiant) teen and I just started blogging in November, I have discouraged a lot. In fact, I already have a blogenemy! This post has incouraged me to continue blogging. I will be a regular visitor to your blog :). And please check out my blog! http://sharonaworld.blogspot.com
Thanks for everything!
-Brittany Kelly a.k.a. Sharona
very good post, and very true. Many people think that they can sign up with wordpress or blogger, buy a domain name, and the money will just flow in from google adsense. Maybe in 2003-05, but not anymore.
While the article said the average full time blogger makes 30k, you have to think about can you live off of that money where you are now? A friend of mine compared blogging to being a full time commission only sales person. There is no guarantees, but also no cap on income earnings potential. It is not for the weak at heart, and for those that NEED to know how much they get every two weeks, this isnt the job for them full time.
Great article and I co-sign wholeheartedly. For anyone who thinks blogging isn’t considered “work” please think again! But if what you’re writing about is your TRULY your passion, you’ll stick with it for the long haul…and THEN the money will come.
I was just looking up some info on full-time blogging and found your post. I wanted to tell you I'm in it for the long haul, and I am determined not to let any not-so-successful story chip my dream.
I am ready to work hard. For now, I am just a newbie!
Let's support each other… Keep it up girlfriend & goo luck.
I am always here for support and encouragement. I wish you success with your blog!
And here you are almost 2 1/2 years later. Keep it going! I will definitely be checking out your blog in the future. Is it okay that I’m not a chick though? haha