Even new bloggers should get in the habit of monitoring traffic. Doing so helps bloggers to take advantage of various available advertising options.
Monitoring Web Site Traffic
There are several free monitoring tools such as StatCounter, Sitemeter and Google Analytics. Although StatCounter and SiteMeter have premium accounts, new bloggers will find the free version more than adequate for their needs.
Each traffic-monitoring site provides various degrees of statistical tracking. Google Analytics is the most in-depth. In addition to providing a plethora of statistical data it can also be tied into AdSense and AdWord campaigns
One word of caution, however, review Google Analytics information one feature at a time. With so much information it is easy to become overwhelmed.
Earning Money From Blogging
Before discussing advertising and/or monetization options for the various blog levels, it should be understood that the more traffic a web site generates, the better the likelihood of making money. Therefore, although this article lists companies willing to provide affiliate and advertising options for low-traffic blogs, the amount of money made depends on the amount of targeted traffic the blog receives. In addition to placing advertising code and affiliate links on the blog, bloggers should also focus on writing unique keyword focused content and other marketing tactics to help increase the flow of traffic.
Advertising Options for Blogs With Low Traffic
- Google AdSense: Depending on the niche, some blogs with low traffic do well with AdSense. Conversely, some highly trafficked blogs don't because of the nature of the blog. Technology and finance are two web site topics that traditionally do well with Google AdSense while recipe and food blogs don't usually reap high-paying advertisers.
- In line Text Ads: Kontera, InLinks and InfoLinks are inline text link ads that accept blogs with relatively low traffic. In link text ads are purchased ads that appear as links within the blog's content.
- Amazon: Amazon affiliates can monetize their blog by placing Amazon widgets and or text links within their blog posts.
- Other Services. Services such as Performancing Ads, Widget Bucks, Chitika, AdBrite, NeverBlue, AdToll and TNX.net (TNX requires a Google Page rank above 0) are just a few available advertising services that work in conjunction with Google AdSense (be sure to read the terms of service before adding code to a blog).
Monetizing More Heavily Trafficked Blogs
For blogs with a higher traffic volume can use services like Casale Media. They require their publishers to have more than 10,000 unique visitors each month.
Sell Blog Ad Space
Highly trafficked blogs can cut out the middle person and sell ad space directly to the advertiser. Utilizing ad management software allows bloggers to sell and monitor direct ad sales.
There are several ad management software programs available on the internet ranging from free such as AdServer, to inexpensive such as OIOPublishing Ad Management Software to the more costly Ban Man Pro. When deciding to sell ads from a blog, bloggers need to keep a few things in mind:
- HTML knowledge. Some, not all, ad management software programs require basic coding skills.
- Anticipated return on the investment. Bloggers who spend several hundred dollars on ad management programs should have a good idea as to how much they can recoup on their software investment. Purchasing an expensive program with all of the bells and whistles is a poor investment if the cost per ad won't cover the investment.
- Try before buying. Because one size does not fit all, it is extremely important for bloggers to test drive the software before making a purchase.
 |
