Blogging has become a huge phenomenon; it's a way to stay in touch with distant friends and relatives, a way to communicate with others who share your passions, hobbies, and interests, and a way to express your creativity as a writer, artist or photographer. However, blogging can be even more than that. It can be a lucrative source of income for the many who choose to monetize their online journals with inventive forms of advertising.



Naturally, people who began a weblog as an artistic or personal display do not want to clutter it up with big banner ads and other unsightly distractions. Of course, that doesn't mean they wouldn't like the opportunity to make a little money from their efforts! That's why so many companies have started offering bloggers a way to generate revenue in a more discreet manner.

Blog Advertising

We've all seen paid “product placement” ads in movies and on television – when you're watching a scene, and the character takes a drink from a clearly labeled Pepsi can, or squirts Tide into his or her laundry. In televised media, this is a great way for companies to make their products visible without asking the film-makers to compromise the smooth flow and form of their art. Blog ads can do the same thing on your blog, seamlessly integrating a money-making advertisement with your usual content.

Sign up with a blog ad service, and you will soon begin receiving assignments from advertisers who would like their products and services to appear in a post on your site. Write a unique post, reviewing the product, relating it to your life, or otherwise working it into a story you wanted to share, and include a link back to the advertiser's web page – and get paid! Your journal is no more cluttered than it was before, and not only did you make a little money, but you also have a new and informative post up for your readers to enjoy.

Affiliate Programs

Another good way to monetize your web journal in a creative way is to sign up for an affiliate program that relates to something you are already posting about. Perhaps you are writing about having a small business or blogging about your online store; sign up for one of the affiliate programs selling credit card processing services. Writing about real estate or home improvement? A mortgage or home equity loan lead-generation program might be a great fit for you.

Working with an affiliate program will allow you to mention the related products or services however – and however often – you choose. You can include links or forms in your side bar, or simply mention what you have to offer in various posts to your blog. When your readers click, or make a purchase, you get paid.

Get Paid for Doing What You Love!

You're already blogging, and now you know you can generate revenue from your blog without distracting your visitors away from the quality writing on your site. Sign up for one of these creative money-making opportunities today. You won't become a millionaire, but you could easily supplement your regular income with some fun money. After all, what's more fun than getting paid to do something you already love to do?