blogging

How do Bloggers Make Money?

Abby H.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked me how bloggers make money. He never met anyone who was a blogger; he knew plenty of Twitch streamers, bloggers, and TikTokers, but nobody who was an old-school blogger.

While this is not a comprehensive list of ways bloggers make money, here are just a few ways that I either make money now or have made money in the past.

Brand deals: Brand deals are a big one. Brands send bloggers products or provide services to facilitate reviews or for advertising on blogs and related social media. I have done brand deals before, and they are usually a lot of work, but it is always fun to try out a new product or service that you might otherwise not be able to afford. 

Affiliate marketing: Bloggers sometimes opt to work with advertising networks. Affiliate marketing links consumers to products and services. Bloggers receive a small commission when links are clicked and when purchases are made after clicking through a link.

I use a few affiliate marketing networks such as Shopher (formerly MySavings) and Share A Sale. I am an Amazon affiliate as well. A lot of affiliate marketing networks have a small pay-per-click fee of a few cents per click. So, visiting links in bloggers’ posts, either on their blogs or their affiliated social media, can help bloggers a little bit.

Selling products or services: Some bloggers sell products. Printables are very popular. Sometimes through Etsy, but also sometimes directly through their own websites.

Some blog or cell services like exclusive content (Patreon), consulting services, or classes specializing in their blog niche. Many years ago, I used to teach couponing/frugal living classes in my local area. While the classes themselves were free, I sold newspaper subscriptions, and that’s how I made money. This is back in the days when most coupons came in the Sunday paper, and rebate apps like I bought it or not common.

Referral credits: When bloggers share apps or services, oftentimes the app service offers a referral incentive. Examples include Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Venmo. They frequently have incentives of a few dollars (or the point value equivalent), usually up to about $10. 

Of course, the more a blogger posts, and the more eyes are on the content, the greater the opportunity to earn money.

Supporting your local blogger by visiting a blog for even five minutes or scrolling through a post is a great way to support a blogger. Read a few posts and share on social media if you find something that resonates. Leave a comment on their social media. These small steps can really help increase a blogger’s reach, which opens them up to being offered more lucrative opportunities.

Why I Gave Up Hustle Culture and Got a Full Time Job

Abby H.

For years, I was part of the hustle culture. I did gigs and what most people deemed to be “side work” so that I could stay home and support my kids in their education and development. Hell, I even have a page dedicated to it on this blog. 

And I did a post about the Side Hustles seen frequently on Tik Tok too. The research time it took for that was about 6 months, and it was awful. The return on investment (ROI) was not there.

Childcare here in Southern California (and the entire US) is costly and I wouldn’t be able to work full-time and bring home enough money to contribute to the family, beyond paying for daycare. Once we discovered Bubs was on the spectrum, my work outside the house was thrown out the window. There were a lot of appointments, therapies, and special help that were required. So I hustled- I spent hours each day doing surveys online, research studies online and in person, product reviews, teaching coupon classes, and doing app-based work for Field Agent and other similar apps (mostly secret shops and store/product placement audits). And of course, blogging and posting deals and affiliate links when I could make it work and not sound like I was shilling for some company. Because I have a small following, I didn’t have access to a lot of opportunities and sponsorships, in fact, after the pandemic, a lot of programs and companies changed their content creator programs to only larger (10k+ followers) audiences, leaving us little guys out. That meant, once again, it was back to the drawing board, finding new ways to make the same amount of money as before.

My original plan was to go to still blog Part-Time, as well as work Part-Time outside the home after the littlest was in school and work during school hours, however, COVID happened and plans were changed. In late 2021, I started looking for a small, part-time job, and I found one at a local school, in the district where my kids attend. It was a few hours a day, and it was a great way to ease back into working outside the house.

This fall I was offered an opportunity to become a paraeducator, assisting in a special education classroom. After discussing it with my family, and making sure there would be coverage from school pick-ups, I applied for and accepted the job. I work while my kids are at school, and I pick them up from my mom’s house right after school/work, and we have enough time for whatever appointments and shenanigans each afternoon. I have the same weekends and holidays off that they do, and I can work summer school for 6-ish weeks if I want to.

Why am I telling you all of this? The rise in popularity of hustle culture has made it harder for most of us to rely on it to get along. There is the same number of opportunities, but more of us trying to get by and scramble for all of those gigs. If you find yourself struggling with gig work and you have a set schedule that you need to abide by (for example, if you have school-age kids that you are responsible for dropping off and picking up each day), think about working jobs that support kids.

Many school districts are hiring kitchen and cafeteria workers, lunch and playground aides, and even paraprofessionals. There are few prerequisites for these jobs, and a lot of the training and guidance you get on the job. Full-time in most districts is only 30 hours a week, and full-time work comes with benefits. Most districts use EdJoin for job postings, and there are postings from teaching to classified staff. And if you aren’t available every day, you can join the substitute pool (even for classified jobs, like mine), and work per diem as you are needed.

Working in a public school isn’t going to make me rich, but the steady salary helps my family, and the consistent schedule is helpful for making appointments and doctor’s care.

Bottom line- I was tired of busting my ass to make pennies. I spent most of my 30’s working every day, trying to juggle motherhood and making money, trying to give my kids awesome experiences and fun every day while doing surveys from my phone at the park, staying up late to write reviews (a 500-word review about tampons? Come on!), and I was making less than minimum wage, but I had “Time Freedom” and I was “Able to Work Where Ever I Wanted!” and all of the other lies that hustle culture has fed us (Not to mention MLM culture, but I’ll leave that to Roberta Blevins). Now I’m happier and healthier, and I feel like I’m a better mom because I’m able to worry less about making the ends meet, and I can spend time playing with legos with the kids without having to stop every 5 minutes to post something or pack us all up to go do a secret shop or audit.

That being said, one of the few things I still do that’s posted on my Side Hustle page is Small Business Knowledge Center. It’s easy, quick, and I get paid for sending them my junk mail. It’s free Starbucks/Pizza money (Kid’s choice).

2023 Moms Meet WOW Summit is BACK!

Abby H.

I am so freaking excited about this event! I am requesting time off and going.

The Moms Meet Wow Summit is coming to Orange County, CA on November 10-11th!

It’s two days of learning and fun. Connect with other parents, and brands, and have some much-needed adult time on Friday night for the cocktail party.

Early Bird tickets start at only $29, and Content Creator tickets start at $99.00. All the information including speakers, sponsors, and hotel accommodations can be found here. The website will be updated as more information (speakers, etc.) become available.

Moms Meet Wow Summit 2022: It’s Virtual!

Abby H.

The Moms Meet WOW Summit is back for 2022 and it’s virtual again!

If you have followed me for a whole, you know I love Moms Meet. It’s an amazing way to try out products for moms, kids, and families. Every year, they hold a Wow Summit somewhere in the US. This year it’s virtual again AND FREE for Moms Meet members, so really… no reason not to attend, right??

The Wow Summit is three fun-filled and educational days focused on raising happy and healthy families.

Empowering moms to raise happy and healthy families

Experience everything our WOW Summit has to offer, right from the comfort of your own home. From attending educational workshops and hearing from compelling speakers, to networking with like-minded moms, you’ll walk away equipped with the knowledge you need to raise a happy and healthy family. You’ll also have access to our Virtual Exhibit Hall filled with the newest natural, organic, non-GMO, eco, educational, homeopathic, and allergy-free products on the market, plus so much more.

The best part—it’s totally free to attend if you are a member of Moms Meet! There’s even a unique Track just for bloggers and influencers.

There are two tracks, and there will be workshops and classes for every parent/caregiver!

Community Track

Join hundreds of moms, dads, grandparents, and caretakers committed to leading healthy lifestyles.

  • Discover better-for-you products and chat live with brands in the Virtual Exhibit Hall.
  • Hear from inspirational speakers and attend educational workshops.
  • Network with other moms and attend a Virtual Happy Hour.
  • Enter to win amazing prizes worth hundreds of dollars.
  • Receive a Digital Swag Bag filled with amazing discounts and coupons.

Blogger/Influencer Track

Whether you’re a new or experienced blogger or influencer you’ll walk away feeling inspired and full of ideas to take your platforms to the next level.

  • Attend workshops tailored towards bloggers, influencers, and content creators.
  • Network during exclusive events and meet other mom bloggers and influencers.
  • Meet one-on-one with brands offering sponsored campaign opportunities.
  • Plus, gain access to all the Community Track sessions and Virtual Exhibit Hall, enter to win prizes, and so much more.

I’ve been introduced to so many brands, products, and bloggers/influencers since I became a member of Moms Meet. I encourage you to check out the Wow Summit.

 

Making Money as a Blogger or Influencer

Abby H.

**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click on links or make purchases. However, I only post about stuff that I like and use for my family.

As part of my New Years Resolution, I have joined a lot more blogger/influencer groups online to expand the number of blogs I read and also try to increase my engagement (that’s people reading and interacting with my blog and social media accounts). One question I see over and over is from new bloggers, and more and more, new influencers (those who microblog or vlog on Instagram or TikTok but don’t have a written blog like this one): HOW DO I MAKE MONEY??

That’s a valid and important question. I wanted to share some of the ways I make money or get free products. For those of you who aren’t bloggers, vloggers, or influencers this may be an interesting read to see how bloggers actually make money.

I don’t make a ton of money blogging, but it’s enough to pay for any promotions or contests I run, buy crafts supplies for the events I host (in pre-covid times), and my website hosting fees. I don’t blog to make tons of money, I blog to share my journey through parenthood and my frugal skills with others. That being said, it is nice to make a little extra money sometimes.

Most of these links are referral links, so I will either receive a bounty/commission if you sign up through my links.

Affiliate Networks:

  • ShopHer– Formerly MySavings. They have campaigns (pay per click, sign up) that change frequently, in addition to printable coupons and free sample offers.  Sometimes they have sponsored posts available too. Minimum pay out $50.
  • Shareasale– They partner with hundreds (maybe thousands) of companies and brands. Search for a company, apply, and once approved, start posting their deals and you’ll earn a percentage of what you sell.  I post deals from Mabel’s Labels, Craftsy, and Cents of Style. Minimum pay out $50.
  • Massive Sway- A completely different type of network. Massive Sway works with brands and PR companies to bring you campaigns to share on your blog and across social media platforms. Each campaign has it’s own set of posting rules and pay out amount. You apply for campaigns that interest you. Each campaign has either a set price or they let you pitch what you feel the campaign is worth to you.

PR Companies: I work with a handful of local (So Cal/West Coast) Public Relation groups to help local businesses, media ventures, movie premieres spread the word. I also review or share products. It’s a lot like Massive Sway above. Sometimes with PR companies it’s in-kind work, so free movie tickets and concessions, swag, or items to review and some to use as a giveaway.

Amazon: When you are writing about products that you use or like, you can link to the items on Amazon and when people click the link and buy the item, you receive a commission. Sometimes there are also bonus programs where you will receive a flat “bounty” (aka commission) if someone signs up for Prime- It’s usually $5.00

Tomoson: This is a company that works with brands to find influencers to share products (sometimes services too). Mostly social media sharing, but also blogging opportunities. Sometimes you can get free stuff, sometimes it’s discounted (and we’ll talk about this in a minute), sometimes you’ll get paid just to distribute content. BUT- Watch out, there are still companies and brands that want you to buy their product on Amazon with a coupon code and review the item (positively, of course) on Amazon. This is against Amazon’s TOS, and you can get your account wiped. That’s a nice way of saying the remove most or all of your reviews and revoke your ability to leave reviews on anything in the future. NOT WORTH IT!!

HeartBeat: This is a great one- It’s all on Instagram! I’ve done a few campaigns for them, and I have received free products in addition to payment. It’s quick work too. Anyone with an Instagram account can join! They tend to be more focused on influencers in the 18-30 age range.

If you are looking for just free stuff in exchange for social media shout-outs, check out this post on Word of Mouth Marketing. Word of Mouth Marketing is a perfect way to start out when you are dipping your toe in the Influencer world.

Instagram: If you have an Instagram account, no doubt companies have “slid” into your DM’s offering you a discount (usually 10-30%) for one of their products in exchange for free promotion/mentions on your Instagram account. Personally, unless it’s something that I need or have had my eye on for a while a 10-30% discount isn’t enough of a deal to persuade me.

Discounts vs. Free items (also called in-kind) vs. getting paid cash

A lot of people getting started in the blogging world want to make a go of it as their full time job, and I think that is awesome. It’s a lot of work.

If that is you then it is my opinion that you should go to as many gigs that pay cash as possible. Cash pays your bills, keeps your light on, a roof over your head, puts food in your belly.

A 20% discount on a pair of $200 earrings from some company that pitched you on Instagram through your DM’s does not.

I like partnering with brands that can help me stretch my budget. I love talking about cooking and food on the blog and my socials. I’ll work with food companies any day of the week if they can meet what I need. I need to make X amount of money, or receive X amount in their product to compensate. That helps me stretch my grocery budget, gives me content, and helps spread the word about their awesome nummy noms (whatever they sell).

Maybe food isn’t your thing. Maybe beauty products, or clothing. Whatever your niche is, know your price. Know your worth. In the beginning, when you first start out, don’t feel bad taking smaller contracts, smaller promotions. It’s all about getting established and finding your voice. That’s why I like ShopHer and ShareaSale. There are always things I can post or write about and earn money.

And don’t feel like you need to be posting monetized content 24/7. Most of what I post isn’t. It’s recipes, opportunities for my readers to make money, save money, tricks/tips.

If blogging/vlogging/infuencing isn’t going to be your sole source of income, or you just want to have fun and score free/discounted stuff- That’s cool too. Do what makes you happy!

Talk Back: If you have questions about blogging or making money, or if want to share a success, please leave a comment! I love helping and celebrating in the success of other Bloggers/vloggers/influencers!

 

 

 

Virtual Moms Meet Wow Summit is Next Month!

Abby H.

In less than a month I’m attending the Moms Meet Virtual WOW Summit!

I’m so excited to be attending the Moms Meet Virtual WOW Summit! This three-day online event is focused on raising happy and healthy families, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home! Join Moms Meet and me for Virtual WOW Summit from March 9–11.

From attending educational workshops and hearing from compelling speakers to networking with like-minded moms, you’ll walk away equipped with the knowledge you need to raise a happy and healthy family. The best part—it’s totally free to attend if you are a member of Moms Meet (and joining Moms Meet is free)! There’s even a unique Track just for bloggers and influencers. Learn more here.

I’ve been to two Wow Summits in the past- It’s an amazing experience, definitely an event worth your time!

What I’ve Been Up To…

Abby H.

_DSC2099As some of you may have noticed, I haven’t been posting a lot lately, either here or on Social Media. I’ve been busy. Distance learning is coming to a close for the year, so we’ve been doing a lot of meetings and paperwork (I’ll be glad when the mountains of homework packets stop).

In addition to supervising all of the learning (for both kiddos), I’ve also been taking a more active role in helping my big kiddo find behavioral therapies that will work well on his journey through life. My big kid is on the Autism spectrum (ASD) and that means that we do behavioral therapy a few times a week in addition talk therapy. So lots of time helping process feelings and emotions, and that leaves this mama bear feeling tired.

I (try to) get up early about 6:30 each morning, make coffee, do emails, and work on getting stuff set up for the day before the kiddos wake up. Sometimes I’m super successful and get it done. Sometimes I’m lucky if I get a shower.

Successes for the days are measured so much differently now. Did we make it through a day without tears? Missing friends, regular routines, going to the gym, extracurricular activities- all of these weigh heavy on the kids, and grown-ups.

We’ve also been trying to get our home more organized, and we’ve been getting some help from a family friend who is a Konmari guru. We’re about halfway through the process, and it’s been super liberating to get rid of stuff that no longer serves us. We sold all of the DVD’s/video games that we no longer wanted, and raised over $200, that we’ll put towards family fun (maybe sock it away for a 2021 vacation?). Thankfully our local thrift shops are accepting donations at this time. We’ve been loading up the back of my car weekly to donate goods.

In an attempt to wear the kids out physically, I’ve been taking them out for a walk a few times a week with my parents at a local park. Social distancing and masking occur- Also a liberal application of mosquito repellant is applied- The kids and I are very tasty according to the local ‘squito population. We also picked up a small pool for the patio- We are on our second. The first was not heavy-duty enough. This is the one I recommend. We also put tarps under it to protect it from the textured decking. I also use this solar fountain to keep the water moving all day, and we cover it with a tarp at night. I usually dump the water and refill it 2-3 times per week.

downloadSaving money has been a challenge as of late- There aren’t as many deals as supplies aren’t being delivered to stores regularly, less staff to stock shelves, etc. And really, who has been shopping lately for fun? Not many of us. I’ve been using coupons when I can find them, but what I have really found useful is Honey. Honey is a browser extension that helps you find coupon codes and sale prices on items that you are shopping for online. I used it to save over $145 when we bought the big kids new bed a few weeks back.

And I’ve been making masks for family and friends- I made some especially for the kids this week too.

kalecutI’m here y’all! I’m up to my eyeballs, but I’m here. And of course, I’m doing the Always Eat After 7pm program, so I’ll be posting about that. There are so many good recipes I am excited to try (dark chocolate dipped PB cookies, uh, yeah). and I’ll be posting some recipes this weekend- I’ve got a killer Kale Salad recipe that is so tasty and easy (and it keeps in the fridge for a few days too).

I’ll be hosting an Amazon Gift Card Giveaway soon! I want to spread the love with you!

 

Talk Back: What have you been doing lately? 

WOW Summit 2020- Orlando, FL 11/6/2020-11/7/2020

Abby H.1 Comment

unnamed.pngOk, so I’m not going, but I LOVE me some WOW Summit, and Moms Meet, so I have to share the details, in case some of you are in the area and want to go.

Registration is open
for the mom event of the year!

 

November 6–7, 2020 | Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, FL

SUPER EARLY BIRD PRICING
General Admission: $19
Blogger/Influencer Pass: $79

If you are a mom, or a blogger, or both- WOW Summit is for you!

From their website:

Day one is just for mom bloggers and influencers. Day two is open to all moms (and also dads, grandparents, and other caretakers).

This powerful two-day annual event is filled with inspiration and education. Join hundreds of moms, mom bloggers, and influencers committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. You’ll discover better-for-you products in the Exhibit Hall, attend educational workshops, and hear from compelling speakers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win prizes and take home Goody Bags filled with amazing products worth over $300!

And lemme tell you- This event is run for women, by women. There are snacks, coffee, tea, drinks, note-taking materials, quiet spaces to nurse your littles or take a sensory break. It is a great time to recharge, learn, and meet some great women who all want the same things you do: To make their lives better. I’ve been to two WOW Summits, one WOW Influencer Summit, and I’ve been a part of the Moms Meet tribe since almost day one. I have met new friends, networked with AWESOME brands that I have come to love and recommend (Looking at you, Mabel’s Labels!)

So if you are within a 3-hour drive of Orlando, I cannot recommend WOW SUMMIT 2020 enough to you! I’m not sure when the sale ends for the early bird pricing, so, you best bust a move and Get Your Ticket!!

A Word about Black Friday & Deals

Abby H.

767b680147814d41f35a64dae886c225I know a lot of you are excited about Black Friday shopping. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Because the shops are open, that means that some workers don’t get to have Thanksgiving dinner with their families. They spend the day stocking shelves and preparing the stores for Black Friday. Be kind and give them grace.
  2. Workers are people, not robots. Don’t be rude to them.
  3. Most workers do not want to work on Black Friday, because of the crowds, rush, and mass hysteria that Black Friday has become.

I will be posting some Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday Deals,  and Giving Tuesday. Some of these will be affiliate deals where I can earn a commission (gotta pay the bills somehow), some will be deals I think are great but I earn no commission, and Giving Tuesday deals and offers will be ways you can help local charities.

I won’t be turning the blog into OMG!!11!! BLACK FRIDAY!!11!!, but there will be one or two deals daily, or whenever they land in my email inbox that seems interesting or cool.

 

San Diego Bloggers and Influencers-Moms Meet Event Coming Soon!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 10.13.28 PM.png San Diego, CA area local bloggers and Influencers, Mom’s Meet Wow Influencers 2019 is heading to town on November 9, 2019!

WOW Influencers is an event from Moms Meet, connecting better-for-you brands with established parenting bloggers and influencers in an intimate and relaxed networking setting. Over cocktails and light fare, brands and content creators will have the opportunity to get to know each other, forge connections, and kickstart long-lasting relationships. This event is perfect for anyone looking for the right partner to collaborate with on content creation, product reviews, and marketing campaigns.

  • Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Venue: House of Blues, San Diego, CA

Interested in attending? Established bloggers and social media influencers who are already working with brands or are ready to start can request an invite here.

Your FREE TICKET includes:

  • Entry into the event and the chance to network directly with representatives from better-for-you brands
  • A chance to connect with other influencers from San Diego and the surrounding areas
  • Complimentary drinks and appetizers
  • Professional headshots
  • A Goody Bag valued over $250

 

Sponsors for this event include:

  • +CBDOIl (Love this brand)
  • MRM
  • Mabel’s Labels
  • Flora
  • Just Date Syrup
  • Parissa

I’m going! I can’t wait- I love Mom’s Meet and their Wow Events. It’s a great chance to network with other bloggers, influencers, and brands. Plus, the Wow Events crew always feeds you and puts together a BOMB goody bag!