Making money from your book blog

[Nikola S]

I am interested in hearing your opinions, experiences, strategies, etc.

 

I don't know what the general opinion of the book blogging community would be, but I think it's perfectly okay to try and make a few bucks off your book blog. Why? I think that while fun and definitely creative, book blogging is a hobby that definitely takes up a lot of time. And if what we're doing is essentially promoting authors, books and publishers and boosting their sales, why not try and get a few bucks in return?

Now, trust me, I didn't make the blog in order to earn money from it. And I don't even earn money from it now. But maybe I will and I am open to that possibility.

 

On my blog, I have the total of 2 (two) AdSense ads that are obvious and non-intrusive. Also, I have set up an AmazonAssociates account and have included links to the majority of posts, as well as the link to purchasing the song I'm listening to at the moment. You can check out the layout and stuff here (I'd love to get some feedback):

 

http://cunninghamfan.blogspot.com

 

All very innocent, if you ask me, and so far I have not earned much - a couple of bucks on Google AdSense and nothing on Amazon.

 

What do you think about this? Do you have anything similar on your blog? Should book bloggers strive to earn money from their blogs?

[Jennifer Kitchens]

I have no problem with people earning money from their blogs.  Personally I use Amazon Associates.  I haven't earned much, but a few bucks here and there.  Another way I know of is to get "sponsors" or "paid advertisers".  I haven't been able to do this yet, but I hope to someday.

 

Clean Romance Reviews

 

 

[Nikola S]

Amazon Associates I really like, because they allow you to make relevant ad content on your site (GoogleAds aren't as customizable). Would you mind telling me what kind of links generated the most revenue for you? And by the way, I love your layout, especially since it doesn't seem cluttered and the Amazon ads are not in your face. :)

 

Thanks for replying!

[Evangeline Han]

I'm using Wordpress.com, so there is no way I can earn money from my blog even if I wish to. I think earning money from book blogging is okay as long as it isn't something like getting authors to pay for your reviews. I'm fine with ads and the donate button. In fact, I might even add a donate button so that I can use the money earned for giveaways... although I'm not sure if it'll be a good decision or not, because from what I've heard, no one clicks donate buttons.

[Nikola S]

I didn't even think about the donate buttons, but I think in order for people to donate money, they have to feel like they're 'getting' something from you... Don't get me wrong, obviously they get your opinions, recommendations, and the like, but I think AmazonAssociates would be a much better way to go, since it's tailor made for books (or whatever you tailor-make it for). :)

[Evangeline Han]

True, I also think that that's the reason why most people don't click the donate button.

I have been reading the Wordpress.com (not ORG) support forums, and from what I understand, AmazonAssociates links aren't allowed. At this point of time, I don't think I want to risk my blog being suspended or deleted for violating the TOS. It's just not worth it. This is one of the drawbacks of Wordpress, ... but this is another topic altogether. :)

[parchmentgirl]

I think it's totally fine to make earning money from your blog a goal, as long as you're not accepting pay to review books. I recommend targeted advertising as it will blend in well with the content of your blog. I affiliate with a number of online booksellers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound, etc.) and link to individual books at their websites at the bottom of each review post. I also recommend trying direct sales advertising if you have enough traffic coming to your blog. This is probably the ideal primary money-maker for bloggers as you have complete control over ad placement, pricing, etc.

 

Hope that helps. 

 

Kate {The Parchment Girl}

http://parchmentgirl.com

[SidneReadz]

I also think its fine.  I mean most bloggers put in lots of time doing what they have a passion to do, blogging. If you can earn money with it fine as long as you don't allow that earning to become greater than your passion as a book blogger, if you understand what i'm saying.

[Nikola S]

"[...] as long as you don't allow that earning to become greater than your passion as a book blogger [...]"

 

My thoughts exactly!

[Miss GOP]

I also have ads on my blog and would love to make money, but it is slow right now. Amazon Associates has been the best for me so far; it just makes sense to link to the books I'm discussing. Right?

 

For my writing blog, The Writing Apprentice, I'm thinking of eventually doing an e-book. I'm still doing the research about that for now. Good question!

 

-Miss GOP

 

[Nikola S]

Yup, I like the idea of Amazon Associates the best too, but I've still to make any money off it.

 

Thanks for the input!

[Kelli Wheelwright]

Just passing on advice I received... Build up your library, build up your followers, and then see if you can make a profit.

 

You could turn it into a business, but with so many book bloggers out there- try to find the niche that you fit in!

 

Otherwise, it's a great hobby!

 

KW

http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com

 

[Nikola S]

Oh, I'm pretty happy with the way things are going now. I don't think I will be turning my blog into a business, but I would like to perhaps make a few easy bucks while at the same time helping people pick their next read.

 

Thanks for your reply! :))