Why You’re Not Making Much Money Blogging
Okay, so this is the post where I’m going to call you out! But, don’t worry, I’m doing it in the nicest way possible for your own good, and, trust me, the way I know these things is from personal experience. I’ve made all these mistakes myself.
Have you wondered why you’re not making as much money as you hoped from your blog or online business? Maybe you thought you’d be further along by now. What could be the problem? Is it your blog content? Your social media strategy? Are you posting too much? Too little? Do you need a new Pinterest strategy?
It’s definitely possible that some of those things could be improved, but I think the best place to start is to look at the deeper underlying issues. Sometimes focusing on specific strategies like that really just distracts from the core issues. Personally, sometimes I’d rather spend 20 minutes tweaking my Instagram posting schedule rather than spending those 20 minutes taking a good, hard look at what’s really going on. (Again, I know this from personal experience, so I’m right there with you.)
If you’re frustrated with your progress, I would encourage you to take a step back and really consider these things:
First, maybe your expectations are actually too high! Perhaps you are doing everything just right but you’re hoping for magic when it comes to results. Building an online business takes time, so you need to be patient. I had been working pretty hard on my blog for almost a full year before I made a dime. You also need to commit to trying something for at least a few weeks to six months before you can really measure results.
Second, maybe you’re not taking much action on what you are learning. I know you’re busy working on your business. You’re reading blog posts, attending webinars, taking courses, joined Facebook groups, and more, but are you actually taking action on what you’re learning? I was stuck in the “research and learning” phase for years. To see results, you need to take action.
Third, maybe you’re not taking the time to plan. Planning and prioritizing is SO important to building a successful business (especially one that you run instead of it running you). I know it’s tempting to want to just dive right in rather than taking some time to plan but I can assure you that it will pay off long term. Planning will help you maximize your time. You want to spend the majority of your time on the activities that really move the needle in your business.
Want a little more “tough love” on this subject? Here is a recent scope I did all about it.
Are you guilty of any of these things? Anything else you’ve found that holds you back from making progress? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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lesley Says
I think taking action and planning are the two I struggle with the most. I am getting much better at doing both and am seeing the results for sure but I definitely could be better!
Diane Says
Can I just vent? I’m frustrated. Seven months of blogging, one incredibly heartfelt, time-consuming eBook, and many other free products, and I can’t even give my stuff away in exchange for an email address.
Sorry. I guess I’m just weary.
Perseverance is key, and I have it reluctantly. But I just need help.
I quit my full-time job to care for my husband with cancer, and really need an at-home income. We’re so strapped, I can’t buy hair dye to cover the grays this is causing. 🙂
Hoping to see a light at the end of the tunnel sometime.
Diane
Kris Says
This is so true!! I am in that research phase. I just can’t stop from thinking I need to learn more first. That and getting sucked into social media and wasting hours! Or days. Seriously the whole day has passed and I’ve accomplished nothing. I need to work on the planning and executing pronto!
Monica@wellideclare Says
Yes! Yes! and Yes! Thank you for your insight. I read and learn and then….read and learn some more. I am certainly making the second mistake. I am often stuck in the learning and thinking phase and don’t quite get to the doing phase as quickly as I’d like. I enjoyed your webinar last week! Thanks!
Keri Says
This is definitely something I struggle with! It’s so easy to get bogged down in 1000 different things and not focus on the most important ones. I read somewhere that 20% of the things a blogger does creates 80% of the benefits (and vice-versa). One thing that has helped me is to set a time limit for tasks. I limit myself to scheduling social media/joining link parties/etc to one hour each morning and it has made a difference. It’s hard to resist that urge to check Facebook “just really quick” though!
Dacia Dyer Says
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with you. I know I definitely get stuck in the learning zone, but hadn’t really thought much about how realistic my expectation are.. something to ponder. Thanks for the awesome insight!
Kelly Canfield Says
Laura, I so appreciate your post – I’m going through your List Building Academy right now and learning so much…but I was challenged by your post to implement all that I’m learning! Thanks!
Andrea Stang Says
I think I’m definitely stuck on your second points. I get into information overload and it’s almost paralyzing and hard to take action. Thanks for the push and reminder that it’s not just me that gets stuck in the research and learning phase.
Angie Jackson Says
I too feel like I’ve been in the research and planning phase forever! Finding the time and and confidence to apply everything I’ve been learning from you seems next to impossible, but I’m determined!
Heather Says
My biggest issue is that (as I start another blog for the umpteenth time) I feel that I am not bringing anything new and exciting to the table. I have insecurities that I’m doing tons of work and no one will be interested – sounds silly, doesn’t it? I’ve shifted my perspective lately and I realize that I should be writing and creating for myself – not for others. But also in a way that others can benefit and grow. I would love to have a marketable item to either make or create – but I have so MANY interests, I can’t stick with one thing! I’ve been working through goal setting kits and created my own daily A5 planner to help. I am great at making lists and sticking to them. I just haven’t found what list to stick with! Which is my goal for 2016 🙂
I, too, have been stuck in the research stage for far too long. I’ve finally just thrown caution to the wind and am moving forward.
Mikki Says
Wow, this really hit me. I am so guilty of #2 and #3! I am forever reading and listening to information about blogging and I have a hard time putting into action. I am also having trouble planning and balancing my blogging with my day job and raising a family. But hopefully this article was the kick in the pants that I needed! Thank you for making me re-evaluate and re-focus myself!
K Ann Guinn Says
Thank-you so much for this timely post! It’s always so much better (well, usually better, but definitely less painful!), to learn from someone else’s mistakes, rather than having to muddle through and re-learn what all the successful bloggers have learned for years. I appreciate so much when you who are succeeding are so willing to share with us “newbies”. 🙂
I’ve been blogging since January, so I’m definitely still learning the ropes in most ways. I’m between jobs, as well, so as much as I’ve had more time than usual to learn and blog, the distraction of looking for my next job has made it difficult to go at this with full focus.
You hit the nail on the head with all three points! My husband (who does SEO and websites and hosts my blog), has told me these things, especially number two. It’s easier to keep “learning and training” (so that’s a bit of laziness), and also it can feel overwhelming to do something new (and that would be a bit of fear or lack of confidence).
Thanks again. Now I’ll stop reading posts and actually go work on my blog! 😉
Kristine Hart Says
You had me at ‘not applying’ what I learn. And planning. Well I plan but I get side tracked super easy so it throws off my whole schedule for the day that I desperately try to keep. I have ADHD. So because of that I’m more aware and can keep myself on track more. Plus I’m trying to work in small increments of 15 minutes. That’s been helping a little. Thanks for this post.
shari lynne @ Faith Filled Food for Moms Says
Hi Laura!
Been loving your scopes, webinars etc… I’ve been blogging 5 years and have had some great success…but I do mostly sponsored posts. REALLY want to get away from that. I’ve written a book too…but I’m the worst marketer. I’ve learned so much from your email marketing info..I really need to focus on my email list!! Ummm I’m also a crazy researcher/non doer! :/
Thanks so much!
Monica@wellideclare Says
Yes! I do all of these things. I am especially guilty of the second one. I’ve just recently gotten serious about my blog. I am enjoying it so much! However, I find that I’m trying to learn and I’m not moving on to the doing phase as well as I should. 🙂
Thanks for your insights! I don’t mind being called out at all! I enjoyed your webinar with Crystal last week!
Emily Says
Well, you provided some much needed gut kicking. I am incredibly guilty of the researcher/non-doer. Thank you for this video. 🙂
Suzanne Says
You are very smart and I appreciate all your sharing and training tools.