Thoughts on blog monetization in Canada

My mind is still working away from last Saturday and the conversation of monetizing blogs. It's a hot topic and there are a lot of varying opinions out there. For the evening read, here are two posts I really like that I think pose two unique views:  Is your Blog the Show or the Commercial and On Privilege and "Selling Out".

At BlogPodium Nicole's keynote talk was perfect - it gave a great insight into the different ways that a blogger can make some money from blogging. What I really loved was that Nicole shared that she too was struggling to find a balance with sponsored posts - asking the audience what they felt the appropriate number of sponsored posts in a month was. After Nicole we had the panel of Canadian contributors (myself included) that offered insight into the Canadian Blogging world and monetization.

Although I think the panel touched on a lot info for the new bloggers (like getting product in kind, what bloggers charge for advertising) I'm not sure the insights from the panel were deep enough well established bloggers who really want to hear how to make a living from their blogging. For that, I've written some thoughts.


Thought #1 - You can't make a living from your blog
I'll be honest. I think that in Canada you can profit from having a blog I don't think you can make a living from having a blog. We see a lot of US bloggers making substantial incomes from blogging - Affiliate links, sponsored posts - it appears very lucrative. Unfortunately, I don't see the same opportunities for Canadian Bloggers. Even though the web breaks down borders - companies and their advertising budgets are more concentrated in the USA. Tides may shift over time but I really don't see us as having the same opportunities for profit. I think this something that as a Canadian blogger we should take some comfort in as it relieves the pressure to feel like we have to accept sponsored posts if they aren't a good fit, or even accept ANY payment. I know I'm not making a living from my blog so heck, I'll post away and do whatever pleases me.

Thought #2 - Do you want a blog, or a website
On the thought from # 1 - If you're going into blogging with the sole purpose of making a living from it, I would encourage you to reconsider whether a blog is really what you want. Perhaps it's a website that you should do with a good business plan. If you're starting a blog with the mindset of making money, I just think you're going down the wrong path.

Thought #3 - A blog can significantly support your business
Although I don't think you can make a living from your blog in Canada, I do think you can use it to significantly support your business. My shop is lightly connected to this blog, and there is no doubt that the press and traffic from my blog influences the sales in my shop.

Thought #4- Not everything is about money
Work with brands that you love. Post about them. Working with brands is not about profiting from brands.

Anyways,  that's it. I really encourage you to read those two posts : Is your Blog the Show or the Commercial and On Privilege and "Selling Out" that I felt were thought provoking. Obviously you know where I sit on the fence, I think monetization of a blog is fine ... if done properly. ;)

Hope some of this sparks some thought. xo Linds
Ps., I should update this post to reflect that I'm applying my thoughts to the Design & Decor and possibly even as wide as Lifestyle blogs in the Canadian market. I'm not familiar with how lucrative Mommy or Fashion blogs are.