My Journey from Novice Blogger to Successful Online Entrepreneur

I started blogging in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I made my first $25. This early stage was marked by numerous challenges, including language barriers, a lack of blogging and marketing knowledge, and the tendency to overlook important aspects of monetization. This journey involves sharing the lessons learned and my path to success in the blogging world.

The Early Challenges

When I began my blogging journey, I faced a myriad of challenges. In 2013, I finally managed to make my first $25, but the process was filled with obstacles. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not immediately learning how fellow bloggers made money through their blogs. This delayed my understanding of essential monetization techniques. Additionally, I spent over two years using free blogging platforms, which was not an optimal use of my time.

Building a Community and Monetizing the Blog

As I grew into my blogging career, I shifted my focus from merely writing to building a community and enhancing my online reputation. I started by creating an email list in late 2013, which, despite being relatively small, laid the groundwork for engagement and growth. Over time, I began to receive questions from new bloggers about various blogging issues and how to monetize their blogs. Some even offered me freelance jobs, which was a source of income during these early years.

Starting My Current Blog

Launching My Current Blog in 2014

My current blog was launched in July 2014, and at that time, I had an 11-month-old baby and was completing my PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. I had previously run a blog that served as a testing ground for content creation and promotion. Although I did not make any money in my first year, I was not fully focused on monetization at that point. However, in early 2015, I joined a mastermind, which provided a significant motivation and inspiration. This led to a modest income of $40 to $50 per month in my first year.

Gaining Additional Income in 2015

By 2015, my blog had started to take off, particularly in October. This growth enabled me to leverage my blog to secure a client for social media management. Soon after, I was making around $1,200 per month on the side of my primary job as a scientist.

Monetization Strategies and Personal Experience

For some bloggers, monetization does not become a priority until after they have established a solid platform. My blog, www..., did this in October 2015. Initially, I did not prioritize monetization, focusing instead on expressing my creativity as a writer. However, small amounts of money started coming in through direct advertising, though Google had not yet approved my AdSense account.

Key Takeaways from My Journey

1. Learn from Others: Early on, I realized that it was crucial to learn from successful bloggers to understand effective monetization strategies.

2. Build a Strong Community: Engaging with your audience and building a community around your blog can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

3. Focus on Traffic First: Prioritize building traffic before attempting to monetize your blog, as a strong readership is essential for generating revenue.

A Detailed Online Journey

I started my online journey in late 2015, and it wasn’t until five months later that I made a significant amount of money, totaling a little over $50 from Amazon and other programs. Witnessing the money in my bank account was a pivotal moment, as it confirmed that making money online is a viable reality if you have the right knowledge and approach.

If you are curious about my full online journey, you can read my personal account at this link. No matter your background, there are valuable lessons and strategies that can help you harness the power of the internet for your benefit. Don’t be discouraged by initial struggles; with perseverance and the right mindset, success is within reach.