I recently had the privilege of reviewing a book called How to Blog for Profit (Without Selling Your Soul)
It is an amazing resource! Go get it!!!
I love blogging. I’ve been blogging for several years now. At first, I blogged simply because I enjoyed it and it was a great memory keeping tool. As I’ve grown as a blogger AND as social media has taken off, I’ve begun to learn ways that I can earn a {small} income from my blog. Because it is something I enjoy so much, I have figured that I’m putting a lot of time into it, why not make a little income for my family while I’m “working” on my hobby? Let’s face it, it is HARD being a one income family this day and age. Groceries alone are quite costly these days. So, anytime I can help bring in money that allows me to stay home and homeschool my children, I am interested in learning more!
Even though I’ve blogged for quite some time (a long time in the blogging world, 6-7 years I think.) I have never made enough to even call it “a job.” Not even a part time job. But I have been learning a lot lately, praying about which direction the Lord would have me take this blog, hoping and praying to be a blessing and encouragement…and at the same time bring in money for my family? I haven’t been sure it was possible. But, I continue to learn more and try new things on my blog.
Which is why I was excited about reading this book.
First of all, the first few chapters of this book are SO INSPIRING. I LOVE the way she writes to us as bloggers, telling us that we all have some AWESOME in us, that everyone’s AWESOME is different & unique, that in order to grow our blog we have to be AWESOME. ha!!
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Find your awesome and write a blog about that.”
Ruth Soukup
Ruth shares in her book something that has frustrated me in the past about blogging…she talks about the fact that YES there are a gazillion blogs out there, YES there are a gazillion AWESOME bloggers out there. But, there isn’t a limit on awesome. Each of us has a story to share and we should not let it intimidate us that there are lots of other blogs out there. The world needs our awesome too. 🙂 love that!
There is lots of encouragement and inspiration for those of us who enjoy blogging. There are also lots of practical tips ~ and “action points” at the end of each chapter. I also loved the “behind the scenes” look at a blogger that makes a full time living from her blog.
The information that Ruth shares about making an income on your blog is very helpful. Though a lot of it really only applies to the bigger blogs that get a lot more hits per month than I do. 🙂 Even though I’ve learned a lot in my years as a blogger, and even though I have several years of experience, I still don’t have enough hits to apply some of her suggestions to my blog.
But overall, I came away INSPIRED and ENCOURAGED in this crazy thing we call blogging. I came away with confirmation that I have a story to tell and that my blog is the perfect place to do that. I came away with teh realization that it is ok (and even pretty amazing) that I can love something so much and still have the opportunity to provide a little bit of income from it!
What are you waiting for? go get it!!!
This is the first I’ve heard of this book. I do blog for profit and I’m always eager to learn more so I’m definitely going to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Whitney, thanks for stopping by! This ebook was just released TODAY, which is why you probably haven’t heard of it yet. 🙂 I really enjoyed her writing. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.
Um, I already knew you were awesome. 😉
Great review! As someone who has been blogging since 2005 but only just now starting to monetize, it is nice to hear an honest review of a book before purchase. After reading this I ran over and snagged it. (Using your link of course, how’s that for putting the book into action? Lol)
Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Angie, you crack me up. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words!! I hope you are as encouraged and inspired as I was!! You’ll have to let me know!
Thank you for sharing this! I love the part, “There isn’t a limit on awesome.” That is a huge piece of encouragement for us new or little blogs. I’m gonna have to grab this book!
I’m glad you shared this, too. I hate that I missed the sale, but I must say that I’ve wondered the same things about my blog: do I want affiliate links, is it appropriate for what I’m trying to convey, how to make money without making it look like that’s all I want, etc. Who knows? I’m still thinking about it!
Take care!!!