Blog Writing: Make Money, Have Fun - but Be Patient!

Blogging is profitable - but don't expect to learn it quickly and begin making money if you don't already have a strong Internet background. Here are the steps I've followed to get started writing blogs and the steps I'll continue following to improve and learn this online medium.

Do you write often?
I do. I always have ideas. My challenge right now is choosing one blog and improving it each day and each week. My first one, www.donbizblogger.blogspot.com, was more of an experiment. I know it doesn't have specific content which is a disadvantage. However, I'm now going to develop an editorial calendar for it. If you write frequently, then you can create the needed content for blogging which regular visitors expect to see updated.

What's the Purpose of Your Blog?

Information? You may have parenting insights you want to share, or write about American-made cars versus Japanese-made cars.

Commentary? Perhaps you want to share your opinions. How much content do you have inside of you? You may consider one or two different blogs focusing on a specific topic. You may not reach millions of people, but instead it's smarter if you share your expert knowledge with the niche market you serve.

Entertainment? Movie reviews, book reviews or even celebrity gossip (unfortunately) are hot items.

Business-Building? Are you a consultant and do you want to use your blog as a way for current and prospective clients to continue learning from you and hire you for future projects?

Making Money? Choose a popular topic that people search for, learn how to run Google Adsense on your site or other paid links, and start producing content and promoting your site.

A Hobby? Then you can use it to entertain or inform visitors. But give them a reason to come back.
Clearly know the goals for your blog or series of blogs. And don't expect to reap the rewards during the first few months or even the first year.

Do Your Homework
I'm learning from skilled people here on AC in addition to other bloggers I've encountered. Here are two notable links that will allow you to get a better understanding of blogs, how to promote them and how to make money on this part of the Internet.