Blogging

How I Made $600 From One Blog Post

I bet you want to make money blogging and it’s something a lot of new bloggers try their hand at, but for many it doesn’t work out.

Why? Not enough pageviews.

How do you make money blogging? If you're interested in learning how you can make extra cash online click here to find out.

Not a big audience.

Too new.

Well, what if I told you, it’s possible to make money from blogging without traffic or having a big audience? Yeah, I know. It sounds a bit ludicrous.

But, I’m a freelance writer and I get paid to blog.

If you’re interested in blogging for a living, I have an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to start a blog for your business.

Make Money Blogging

If someone had told me when I first started out as a freelance writer that I would make $600 on a post, I’d think you’re crazy.

What?

People actually pay for words?

For a blog post?

Really?

Yeah, I would have been shocked.

But, in only two short years I worked my way up from landing my first gig at a $100 per post to making $600 from my last client blog post.

If you’re interested in getting paid to blog, here are the steps I took to dodge the low paying blogging gigs and get paid what I’m worth.

This was my way to make money blogging.

1. Established My Name

I was new to the blogging and freelancing world when I first started. I had no idea what WordPress was, didn’t have a Twitter account, and I sure as heck didn’t know what a blog was.

Yeah, I know, right?

But, I wanted to stay home and raise my twins and when I found out about freelance writing, I thought I could totally do this. The blogs I was reading were from other moms who were side hustling as a freelance writer.

I knew that if I wanted to get paid for my writing I had to get my name out there. I signed up to some freelance marketplaces but never had any luck with them.

What did work were these critical things:

Guest Posted

Guest posting is the BEST way to grow your blog and to get your name, brand and business out there. I learned pretty quickly that to prove I was a capable writer, I first had to find some blogs to guest post on for free.

One of the first guest posts I landed was for A Nation of Moms. Since one of my niches early on was natural health and parenting, I felt I needed to show a sample in that niche.

I also landed a prestigious guest post on PsychCentral – a leader in mental health content. Since my background is in Psychology and education, I felt I could make a sample in this niche and hopefully land a client (which I did, but almost a year later).

I guest posted on two other blogs – Brazen Careerist and Social Media Today. Both of these guest posts weren’t in my intended niches, but my Social Media Today guest post proved to help me get started in the digital marketing niche (the niche I currently write in).

These guest posts helped me build my portfolio as a freelance writer. I made sure to only guest post on blogs that benefited me, i.e. showed my writing in a particular niche.

I Left Comments on Popular Blogs

Blog commenting can be insane for helping you put your name on the map. Someone like Ryan Biddulph comes to mind when I think of how to leave an impressive blog comment.

Early in my biz I made sure to comment on popular blogs like SmartBlogger (at that time it was BoostBlogTraffic), Blogging Wizard, Successful Blogging and other blogs I visited.

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This lead to working with Sue Anne Dunlevie of Successful Blogging in the future as well as help me land my gig over on Blogging Wizard with Adam Connell.

Set Up My Social Media Profiles

As I mentioned, I really wasn’t online when I first started out blogging and freelancing. I made a website and started a blog but aside from blog commenting, not many people knew I existed.

So, I decided to make a Twitter account, LinkedIn Account, Facebook Page and Pinterest account. At that time, it was all about promoting my freelance writing business and it helped me grow my client list quickly.

Now, my Twitter and Pinterest account are being shared with Twins Mommy. My Facebook Page was also shared, but I made a new Facebook page for Twins Mommy and was ecstatic to finally create separate brands!screen-shot-2016-10-17-at-11-01-14-pm

I knew it was important to be online early on in my biz. I mean my clients are online practically 24/7, and I need to appear like I was too!

And this helped to make money blogging!

2. I Kept Asking For More

My first freelance writing job was $100 a post. This equated to around $.10/word. My next gig I was able to negotiate $.12/word and from there it just went up and up.

So, for every new inquiry or job ad that came my way, I quoted a higher rate than before.

This is the quickest way to make money blogging. Offering a service like freelance blogging is perfect for mommy bloggers.

You set your rate, create content you enjoy writing about and get paid for it, all the while taking care of your little one.

3. Secured Great Testimonials

When I landed my ideal client – perfect rate, perfect project and flexible deadlines – I asked for a testimonial. From there, whenever I landed a notable freelance writing gig, I made sure to ask for a testimonial.

This is social proof and it’s a pretty powerful marketing strategy. Whether it’s for your sales page, service page or opt-in form, when you see that someone else vouches for you – your service or product – it helps them take the next step.

screen-shot-2016-10-17-at-11-14-01-pm

4. Niche Down

When I created my first blog I didn’t focus on a niche. I just wrote what I enjoyed and at that time it was a mix of blogging, freelance writing and being a work at home mom.

It took me a long time – over a year – to niche down. I knew I wanted to focus on freelance writing, but that’s a huge audience.

There are freelance writers that are side hustling, bloggers that want to moon light as a freelancer, college kids interested in generating some quick cash and the list could go on.

It wasn’t until I made my freelance writing course that I knew I had to focus on aspiring or new freelance writers.

From that point one I wrote only to new freelance writers.

It was the same for my niche that I wanted to get paid to write in. I decided to focus on digital marketing, but it wasn’t until I niched down to write about email marketing and lead generation that I found my ideal clients.

So, whether it’s your blog or your business, it’s important to figure out first the main topic and then to go a level deeper.

Want to Make Money Blogging with Freelancing?

I absolutely LOVE being a freelance blogger. Yes, at times it can be crazy, but overall, I write about the topics I enjoy and I’m making a living doing what I love.

If you’re interested, go ahead and take my free course on helping you land your first client. The opportunity is endless. There are authors, editors, copywriters, social media marketers, mommy bloggers and virtual assistants that took my freelance writing course. It’s totally awesome!

Let me know if you’re interested 🙂

To Monetize Your Blog, Traffic Helps. Check Out Ready Set Blog For Traffic

Leave a Reply

370 Comments

I love this one, Elna! I’m a freelance writer myself and this post is really helpful. I’ve been working with some clients, but haven’t had the guts to charge a premium fee because I feel like I lack experience. However, your tips above will be a great help. I will surely follow them and take action now.Reply to Camille
Hi Camille, Thank you so much! You GOT THIS! You can do it for sure. Good luck!Reply to Elna
Hey, Elna! I really enjoyed learning how you went from point A to point B and beyond and making money in the process. This was an interesting read and the information your link(s) went to – as usual – exceptional. Cool reading. The best of the best, that much I know. So glad I found you and your courses. What a blessing you and your work are in and to people’s lives – thank you so much, Elna.Reply to Kim
Hi Kim! Oh, thank you so much for your sweet comment! Glad you enjoyed this post!Reply to Elna
Hi Elna!this is my second year of blogging and it has been such an interesting ride. It’s been slow to get to where I want to be but this is super helpful and should try these out! Thank you for sharing these tips!Reply to Kallie
Hi Kallie, You’re so welcome! Congrats on sticking it out for another year! I love blogging and freelance writing 🙂Reply to Elna
I started my blog back in April 2020, but am always on the lookout for articles like yours to put my blogging journey into perspective so I can be successful! Thank you for a wonderful post full of great information.Reply to Annalise
Hi Annalise, Congrats on starting a blog! So glad you found this post helpful to making money blogging! Good luck!Reply to Elna
Hey Elna! I loved this blog post! I started doing freelance writing as a blogger last month and I felt like I was doing something wrong by writing content for other bloggers. This post made me feel normal! Needed that lol Also, I am curious. As a new blogger there are a few niche topics I am exploring. How did you know that the freelance writing niche was the one for you?Reply to Lisa
Hey Lisa, Thanks so much! When I first started my blog I just wrote what I was learning and at that time it was freelance writing. So the blog posts all centered around freelance writing and marketing tips. This grew to what it is now. With Twins Mommy I wrote my challenges as a work at home mom with twins. But, then I published a post on how I was going to grow Twins Mommy and I got a lot of traction so I knew that Twins Mommy was to help new mom bloggers grow and make money!Reply to Elna
Elna cain, your blog posts are always a breath of fresh air. Thank you for this great tipsReply to Lois
Hi Lois, Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂Reply to Elna
Hello Elna, Thanks for such a concise and to-the-point post. For a newbie blogger, like myself, I am always on the lookout for informative posts, just like yours! Thank you for the great tips and references 🙂 Long life to ensuring our words are read & heard 🙂 ElleReply to Elle
Hi Elle, You’re welcome! So glad this post on how I made $600 for my first blog post was inspirational and helpful!Reply to Elna
Such an amazing post! I’m new to the blogging world, and I’m excited to teach guys and woman about hair care! 💇🏻‍♂️💈🎉 15 years and going strong 💪🏼Reply to Maria
What a great post! I started my blog initially to help me cope with my postpartum depression, but now I’m really trying to increase my reach. This is my first blog comment, taking your advice, and I will definitely put your tips to use.Reply to Crystal
Hi Crystal! That’s great to hear! Have fun creating more content for your blog!Reply to Elna
Great post with lots of information. I am a couple if months into my blogging and seriously looking into how to monetize. Thanks for the tips.Reply to Amanda
Hi Amanda, You’re welcome! Glad you found some ways to make money with your blog!Reply to Elna
Hi Elna! This is such an informative post! Thank you for sharing these tips! I’m fresh out of college and working on growing my blog. I haven’t made any revenue from it yet, but I’m still working hard on it and dreaming big! Since you mentioned freelancing, I think I’ll look into that more and give it a try! ~MadelineReply to Madeline
Hi Madeline! Thanks for stopping by and so happy you enjoyed this post! Yes, if you are interested in freelance writing make sure to check out my other blog as that is all for new freelance writers!Reply to Elna
Good looking post with valuable information. Pinned it on Pinterest. I will come by some other time again. Happy weekend! Jolanda de JongReply to Jolanda
Hi Jolanda! Thanks so much for the follow and share! Good luck making money blogging!Reply to Elna
This was definitely super helpful information. I am a new blogger and am having trouble with the overwhelming experience of figuring everything out. Amazing post and advice.Reply to Brianna
Hi Brianna! Wow! Thanks so much! Glad you found this helpful! Making money blogging is a challenge as a beginner. There are soo many different ways, so finding one that is easy and quick and LEGIT is a challenge for sure! Glad you found some helpful tips!Reply to Elna
Left a comment yesterday. Don’t see today. Wondering why? Oh well. Was just how interesting I found your post. I want to start blogging.Reply to Robin
Hey Robin, That’s awesome you want to start a blog and make money! I’m here to help you!!Reply to Elna
Well you peaked my interest. Quite a bit of what I read was unfamiliar to such as “freelance blogger” – so all bloggers are not originating their posts? What! Anyway very nice Tuesday morning while laying in bed read. Thank you.Reply to 923ArtistryStudio
Hi! Many small businesses hire bloggers to write for them. They get an author bio! I write for Blogging Wizard, Smart Blogger, Optinmonster and my name is on the post. But, you can definitely ghostwrite if you want! You do make more money but your name isn’t attributed to that post.Reply to Elna
So grateful that I came across your blog. You are such an inspiration for all. I’m no blogger but I do often fetch for an inspiration to start blogging. Keep inspiring! Much love for your twins.. 😘Reply to Ana
Hi Ana! Thanks so much! If you ever want to come over to my side, I’m here to help you start a blog!Reply to Elna
Hello Elna, Nice article. I am naive writer and really like the idea of guest posting. How do you select your niche for writing? What if my niche does not have much viewers?Reply to Neha
Hi, If you pick a niche that doesn’t drive traffic, you can pivot and change. Try writing in a couple of topics to see which one is the most engaging.Reply to Elna
Hey Elna, another great blog post! Do you try to get regular guest posting slots too? I believe if you write a great post, proofread, and with an accompanying image, publications will love you all the more, and you might just get something regular out of it. Also, do you have any tips for being a better writer other than just write? Thanks!Reply to Meghan
Hi Meghan, Thank you so much! I don’t regularly do guest posting, only when I need to! As for being a better writer you can check out my other blog called Elnacain.com where do talk about improving your writing!Reply to Elna
Love this amazing post, keep uo the good work.Reply to Louis
Thanks SO much, this was really helpful. Do you have any idea if I could do blogging without makeup an account? Cause right now I’m still a kid, I’m actually not even in high school yet. Do you have any ideas?Reply to Charlotte
Hi Charlotte, You might have to wait until you’re in high school to try this out! Having a website is important to show prospects you mean business! For you though, why not start a Youtube channel? That might work for you!Reply to Elna
Hey Elna, Really you inspired me. How you handle all this with your kids? I am amazed how hardworking you are. I am also a mom of 2 children. Thanx for being such an inspiration. Really nice post. Thanx alot.Reply to Suruchi
Hey Elna. I find your posts sooo interesting and you’ve inspired me to write a blog of my own. I read your post about how to start a blog in order to start my own on wordpress. I started it about a week ago but I’m still learning how to navigate it properly. Any ideas for how to introduce yourself to an audience in your first post. I’ve been struggling with what to say and how I could attract people.Reply to Jemma
Hi Jemma! Your first post isn’t that important. Not many people will read your first few blog posts so just have fun. You can tell a small story about you and tie that into your blog post to HELP OTHERS! Remember, blogging for money means helping others.Reply to Elna
Hi! Thank you so much! Yes, it’s a challenge. My twins were both sick last week. They missed 11 days of school! And I couldn’t really work or blog during this time. It’s a balance for sure!Reply to Elna
Hey Elna! This post really helped me learn more about blogging. I plan on integrating some of your tips into my life of being a blogger! I am about six months in to my blog and can use all the strategies I can get.Reply to Megan
Hi Elna! I really enjoyed this post and gained some really useful tips. I especially liked your section on guest posting (which I feel not many blogs go over). A quick question however, how would you go about looking for blogs to guest post on? And is there a criteria you need to hit in order to do a guest post? Thank you so much for your help! ZReply to TBT
Hi! Thank you so much for your nice compliment! I love guest posting and yes, not enough bloggers are talking about it. As for finding guest blogs, I do go into this strategy in my course Ready Set Blog for Traffic, but what I can say is that many bloggers have more than one blog so check on Facebook for guest blogs!Reply to Elna
When you refer to one niche topic are you referring to Parenting instead of Parenting and marriage, for example? Or do you mean Specifics within parenting? For instance, sensory processing issues in toddlers, or is toddlers in general specific enough? I feel there is a lot more to write about if I cover toddlers, instead of being super specific. What are your thoughts?Reply to Ashley
Hi Ashley, You can definitely have one main global niche as a BLOGGER – Parenting, but if you want to be a freelance writer, you’ll have more success with niching down – parenting tech writer. I hope that makes sense!Reply to Elna
The guest post thing was really awesome I had no idea I could do that as a new blogger that is really helpful I had one question though do you need to micro niche or Can use 3-5 niches until they are related to each other? like I am doing in my blog enterpreneurebite.comReply to Jayant
Hi! Yes, you can have multiple niches if you want as a lifestyle blog but if you really want to be successful have only one niche topic!Reply to Elna
Great article! I sure will help me! Thank you!Reply to Kounj
Thank you so much for this post! Your post has helped me a lot to figure out the things which I would need in the future.Reply to sanii
This is a route that I am hoping to go down as I continue building up my blog and career. I have found some possible sites to pitch my writing projects to, and it would br amazing if I could write about the things that I am passionate about giving a voice too. Your experience definitely gives encouragement and doesn’t make it sound so scary.Reply to Ashley
Hi Ashley, That sounds perfect! The hardest part is just going out there and doing it! But, it really isn’t that difficult! You can do it!Reply to Elna
Thank you so much for this post! You really went into detail and listed step by step what worked for you. Most people dont do that or their post is just ine giant AD.Reply to Brittany
Hi Brittany, So glad you enjoyed the post! Yes, I write for a living so I do my best to teach and help with my step-by-step writing 🙂Reply to Elna
Hi Elna, truly a great post. Niching seems to be an issue with so many. It might feel like one’s giving up on a large pie, but the funny thing is it’s actually what brings in the business. I’ll look into freelance blogging, it’s a great way to stay monetized. Stay blessed!Reply to James
Hi James, That’s a great way of putting it! Niching down will definitely help you make more money blogging since you’re speaking to one group of people.Reply to Elna
Hi elna, I am new in blogging industry and now just exploring it. Your post has helped me a lot to figure out the things which i would need in future. I am feeling like that i am standing before mirror and seeing all my mileatones. And do you know? your post is such mirror. Learnt a lot from it. ThanksReply to Bellal
Hi! Wow, thanks so much! Glad you found some tips to start making money blogging!Reply to Elna
I loved this post. Our stories are the same and one day I aspire to be where you are. Thank you for giving us “new bloggers” some great info. At the rate I’m going, it’s going to take me a year to narrow down my niche as well. Good to know I’m not alone. I look forward to check out your e-course. Thanks again.Reply to Terri
Hi Terri! Thanks so much! So happy this post resonated with you! I know blogging is awesome but it’s challenging making money. So why not blog for businesses instead? It’s a win-win for sure! Thanks again for coming over!Reply to Elna
Thank you so much for this article! I just started a blog and I am really having trouble getting traffic due to newness and having pretty much no social media followers/friends yet! (I’m super new) so I really enjoyed seeing the other ways to make some money. At this point I just want to make back what I’ve spent lol (small goals, small goals) anyways, I just wanted to say thank you, and I am binge reading your content 🙂 http://www.thatqueenmama.comReply to QM
Hi QM! That’s great to know! Come join us in the Mom to Mompreneur Facebook group and you’ll make a ton of mom blogger friends! Have fun blogging!Reply to Elna
I am also a parent entrepreneur (mompreneur)! Nothing like working from anywhere in the world while taking care of your babies. I came across your post on another blog. I started my blog awhile ago but didn’t pay much attention to doing much with it as I didn’t realize the potential of focused blogging. I also didn’t think you could earn that much from one single post! You live and learn. Thanks for sharing your journey as well as tips on how to make money blogging. Great blog as well!Reply to Sara
Hey Sara, That’s client work and that’s money in hand and it’s fantastic! Writing for yourself also has the potential to make a lot, but it’s far from guaranteed. Single blog posts that take a couple hours to write can generate $100,000+ of pure profit over time. Talk about a great ROI. Imagine if every post did that!Reply to Elna
It’s so encouraging to read your blog, I am also trying to get hold onto blogging..as I am a stay at home mom and I have to look after my small daughters day to day need..but I have no financial freedom to do what I have to do..like fulfill my dream of having the financial freedom.Reply to Preeti
Hi Preeti! I love hear this! Thank you so much for your kind words and I know your TIME will come! Starting a blog or doing freelancing is one of the best ways to make money as a stay at home mom! Good luck!Reply to Elna
Such a great article! I am trying to get more into blogging but I find myself holding me back. I get scared and nervous that no one will want to hear from me. Your post helped me to get a little more confident in bloggingReply to Jessica
I loved reading this post. Great information! I started my blog about 2 moths ago and I’m trying to find way too grow it and get readers. Great info!Reply to Efuaye
Hi Jessica! That’s awesome! I love hearing stories like this – you can start a blog and have fun doing it! I’m here to help you!Reply to Elna
I am a new blogger but reading your blog inspires me to write better post. I would love to guest post for you event hough I won’t let my stroke slow me down.Reply to Rodney
Great tips! I am able to make 400€ per month investing my money wisely, let’s see if your tips will boost my investmymoney.org website to the next level 😃 thanks for sharing!!Reply to Marco
Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to learning more about freelancing.Reply to Lauren
Hey Elna, Thanks for sharing all these tips! I recently started my blog a few months back because I realize how much I’ve always enjoyed writing and what a great way it would be for me to share my experience with others! Then I found out about freelance writing and how it’s possible to generate an income that way which led me to some of your posts as they’re highly rated & recommended! 🙂 I’m preparing to submit some of my first articles/post(s) however I just wanted to say ALL your tips have been beyond helpful! So thank you for providing such helpful informationReply to Karissa
Hi Karissa, That’s so awesome to hear! Freelance writing is a great service to offer as a blogger! I love it and love to let other moms and bloggers know about it! Thanks for stopping by!Reply to Elna
Hi there. Thanks for all the great tips. I am currently trying to get on to freelance writing. Trying to establish my name. From what im reading. Looks like i got to start guest blogging. Love all the advice. Gotta get on it! Keep up the great work!Reply to James
Hey James, Thanks for coming over! That’s awesome you want to do some freelance writing!! Way to go!!!Reply to Elna
As a new blogger, this is honestly such an inspiration, I can only dream to charge 600$ for a blog post that is amazing I wish I could even get half of that! Thanks for giving me the motivation I needed to keep blogging and hopefully I will reach your level in the future xReply to yasmin
Hi Yasmin, Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, $600 a post is great and the more you are credible as a service based business, the more you can charge!Reply to Elna
Hi Elna, thank you for this helpful post. I’m blogging for a while now and i’m commenting every now and then. Thank you for reminding me i should do this more regularely. I’m trying to get freelance writing posts too. I was excited to get my first opportunity to write a post about my gifted sunglasses. I hope there are more to come. It’s important to never give up and to try new things out. Shared your post on my pinterest 😀 Have a great day, KarinReply to Karin
Hi Karin, Thanks so much! Glad you are interested in freelance writing! It’s a great side hustle for sure!Reply to Elna
I have been blogging for over 10 years and talk very little in the comments section of the blogs posts I read. I will start commenting more. This is very helpful Thank youReply to Patricia
Hey Patricia, That’s awesome! It’s a great way to connect with other bloggers and network as well as grow your brand!Reply to Elna
I have just started a travel blog for parents and I feel as if this is both a new adventure but also super scary. I am far from technological and have very little idea how to start other than pour my heart out into words. Thank you for the encouragement and insight!Reply to Chris
Hi Chris, Good luck on your new blog! There are so many ways to make money with your blog. I suggest you try some sponsored content and I believe the travel niche is popular for that type of income strategy!Reply to Elna
Thanks for sharing,you just earned a new subscriberReply to Ginna
Hi Elna! Great article, a real look into what it takes to be a serious freelancer. No fluff, just great content. Always provide value, show why you’re worth what you’re asking for & then deliver beyond expectations. Thanks again. Cheers, DavidReply to David
Hey David, Thanks for coming over to my blog! Glad you enjoyed this post!Reply to Elna