10 Ways to Make Money on Your Blog -- #8

Here's number 8 moneymaking blog tip . . .

Donations.

Yes, fundraising works.  "But, on a blog," you ask.  Why not?

If you provide value, why not?
If your blog is unique, why not?

If your blog's followers are individuals who contribute to fundraisers -- and you should know this info about your visitors -- not just their demographics, but sociographics and psychographics as well.

I wouldn't suggest using "donations" if you have a new blog.  Of course, there's always an exception.  The exception:  If your followers fit the description in the paragraph above.

Here are a few thoughts for you on whether your blog conversation is good for donation requesting:

• If there's a lot of interaction with readers every day.
• You receive a lot of thank yous for being there comments being posted.
• Your subscription process/list for blog visitors is separate from your other lists.
• You're going to need a secure merchant-type account like PayPal to process.

Don't have any of these . . . well; I guess you can ask for a check.

There was a site I visited about four years ago, that used the check method.  I called her to ask if the process worked.  She said she never received a check.  Her excuse, it had only been up there a few months.  Ah-hum (I'm keeping my lips sealed any further on this).  I contacted her again right before posting this.  And guess what?  She was so happy.  She had received 3 checks in the last 4 years.  (Still quiet).

By the way, her blog didn't have any of the recommendations I'm mentioning here.

So, I called a few others that met what I'm writing here and they told me they received a lot of donated dollars.  Far more than if they asked people to pay a regular fee.  Then again, this was third party conversation, so they only know the truth.

But their blog was fabulous though.

Want to research this yourself?  Type in "blog" and "donation request" and go surfing.

Then, really, what the heck!  Give it a shot.  What do you have to lose?  Test it for a few months.

"Ask and you shall receive."  Just add the donation feature to your blog. 

My blog provider is TypePad.  Have been for the last six years.  They have an easy way of adding this feature.  I love these people (no third party $ feedback, they are just plain great).

Okay, I'm keeping to my 5-minute limit.  Can't wait to tell you about the remaining two tips.  So stay tuned for number 9 tomorrow.

Catherine

P.S.  Know someone who would enjoy being one of my subscribers.  I'd appreciate it if you'd send them a short invite for me telling them so.  (Thanks, in advance!)