Since SEO methods and algorithms have changed over the past handful of years, so effective methods of making money have changed as well. Success at this online venture depends on staying current with these search engine parameters in order to make your blog content as visible as possible on the results pages. High quality and engaging content is another vital component because posts written for people instead of search engines will bring a blog the highest numbers of repeat visitors.
Setting up your own blog is the first logical step, and every experienced blogging professional worth his or her salt will recommend purchasing your own domain name and hosting plan. Web hosting companies offer these plans for a small monthly fee, usually $8-$12 per month. The average domain name costs a yearly fee between $12 and $25, depending on how long you purchase the domain subscription.
Your own domain as your blog offers a number of advantages over free third-party blog hosting sites. It gives you the freedom to place any type of advertising you wish on your blog, while many third-party blog sites restrict the types of ads allowed. You also have much more content-publishing freedom with your own self-hosted blog, especially if you intend to add video- or audio content. Even if you credit and cite your sources and operate within the boundaries of fair use laws, third-party blogging sites still often restrict your ability to post this kind of content. For both these reasons, investing in your own domain and hosting plan will save you a number of headaches and maximize your earning potential in the long run.
Display ads are still the most popular kinds of advertising for how to make money blogging. A variety of ad networks allow you to sign up as a publisher at no cost and place their ads on your blog. You earn small commissions each time a visitor clicks on one of these ads, though some ad networks require that they make purchases before you earn any commission from one of these ad clicks. For the best chances of success, make sure you create content relevant to the topic of the display ads and use several different online advertising networks. Another effective option is the use of private display ads for individual businesses that agree to pay the blogger an agreed-upon commission.