Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income

The authors Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett are people who not just talk the talk but also walk the walk, meaning that they know from first hand experience what they are talking about. The only 200 pages length had me worried for a second, considering the size of the covered subject, but it was unjustified. It covers a lot of ground, but does so in reference style manner. This means that the book is not designed to be read from start to finish. You pick it up and read some sub chapters and maybe one of the ten main chapters, but then close it to apply what you just read in practice. Although they provide a lot of references and list of tools in most cases, did they fail to provide multiple options in some instances, which is either because of strong personal preference, lack of information or because of an advertising deal. It is hard to tell for sure. It is a useful and practical reference for newbies who think about starting a blog, but also for folks who already have a blog, but struggle with one or more aspects of the real world blogging realities.

I loved this book. It is the first one I have read that actually explains how blogging can be used to make money directly. Most books I have read, and what I have experienced, indicate that blogging is not something to be done to make money directly. In this book the author explains that there are direct ways to make money from one's blog, and there are indirect ways. Direct Monetization: >>Advertising <br />>>Sponsorships <br />>>Affiliate commissions <br />>>Paid reviews <br /> <br />Indirect Monetization: <br />>>Freelance writing contracts <br />>>Book deals <br />>>Speaking engagements <br />>>Consulting opportunities <br />>>Service contracts <br />>>Sell your own products <br /> <br />After reading this book I am still a believer that blogs are not something to consider if you want to make money from them directly. However, it can be done! But probably not the way you would think. It's not done by creating a blog, i.e., one blog and making it popular online. It's done by creating many blogs. Creating an empire of blogs and getting well connected in the blogoshere does it. Writing on any topic that can generate advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate commissions, and paid reviews does it. One blog won't do it. Two blogs won't do it. But a lot of blogs creating little streams of income will do it. <br /> <br />The authors provide us with some lessons they have learned about blogging: <br /> <br />1. Blogging for income takes time <br />2. Take it one step at a time <br />3. It takes hard work and discipline <br />4. Follow your dreams <br /> <br />Does this sound familiar? It should if you regularly read books for entrepreneurs. Blogging for bucks is just another small business. Instead of writing content for an arsenal of magazines, you are writing an arsenal of content for various blogs. Instead of selling paper copies of writings, you are selling through Web 2.0. And you are using Web 2.0 strategies and tactics to make your blogs profitable. <br /> <br />If you have an interest in blogs, and you want two books on the subject that discuss blogs from completely different perspectives, then read this book and read "Blog Schmog" (ISBN: 078521576X). Both books are well written, organized, and sound. If you read both of these books, then you should have a pretty good idea of what blogs are all about, what you can do with them, and what you cannot do with them. 5 stars!

I have been looking forward to reading this book, and I couldn't wait to tear into the package as soon as UPS brought it to my door. "ProBlogger" does not disappoint. Each page includes useful tips and techniques for building a successful blog. The chapters include: Blogging for Money Niche Blogging Setting Up Your Blog Blog Writing Blog Income and Earning Strategies Buying and Selling Blogs Blog Networks Blog Promotion and Marketing Secrets of Successful Blogs Creating Something Worthwhile Reading this book from cover to cover will give you a solid education in blogging. It is the most comprehensive and realistic book I have seen on blogging, but it is not overwhelming. It covers everything from choosing a blogging platform and a topic, through design, what (and how often) to post, monetization strategies, interacting with your readers, using social media and getting links, and much, much more. I found several tips that will help me focus my efforts and produce a better blog. Once you finish reading the book, keep it near your computer so you can reference it frequently. This is not just a book for beginners. Even experienced bloggers will learn things they can use to gain readership and increase profits. If you are going to buy a book about blogging, make it this one. Cathy Stucker, [...] Author of Mystery Shopper's Manual, 6th Edition