Blog DIY: Info on Affiliate Programs For New Bloggers

The first 7 months that I blogged, I didn't make a dime. This was completely my choice. I thought that if I put up ads, my opinions might seem compromised, which for those that know me, know that would never be true! Then I realized that I was actually hurting my readers by not joining some affiliate programs. I was missing out on Exclusive offers to Bloggers, Freebies, Giveaways, etc. Not to mention, I could have been doing good with that money, such as donating to charities, helping those in need, etc.

Well, I have been so blessed in a growing readership, and I am spending more time than I expected blogging. So now, I allow some profits to filter back into the pocket of my family to somewhat counteract the time I am away from them. I always say, "We are going to take a nice vacation someday!" (Or, "I'm going to Disney World"---and I hope I'm saving my readers enough for them to do the same someday, too!)

Anyway, I get asked often, "How do you make money blogging?" to which I say, "I have no idea!" I am still learning myself but I have found some nice companies to join that will give you great offers for you and your readers. Just please, never ever sell out to a "shady deal." You'd never want to jump through hoops yourself, so don't do that to them. If your readers are like mine, they are AMAZING and basically will become your second circle of friends. So please, examine each offer closely!

Here are a few of the companies that I do recommend:

The next three companies get exclusive offers for publishers, such as bloggers. Make sure you check out the offers thoroughly and only use ones that you'd participate in yourself!

Logical Media

My Savings Media

Panthera

Now the next three are kind of "portals" for stores that give you a small commission for a sale. Stores that you are probably already finding awesome deals for your readers for!

Commission Junction

Linkshare

Connect Commerce (Google Affiliate Network)

Amazon - My favorite online company! I advertised for them for free for so long, not knowing they had an affiliate program. They are my first choice to link to when I am referring to a product because they almost always have the best prices.

MyBlogSpark - These are the absolute friendliest people to work with. They will offer you products to review and giveaways for your readers. Lots of yummy foods and more!

SwagBucks - Just like I refer this for my readers, I do the same for my fellow bloggers. You can turn your points in for gift cards or even Paypal $.

I have no idea if most of these have referral links, as you'll notice. They may or may not have those types of programs.

And as far as any further blog profit advice, I have none. I put my main focus on finding deals, freebies and such for my readers and any spare time that I have, I focus on my own income. (which is usually zero time!) I blog as a hobby and to connect with people. It's the biggest payout for me when I hear my readers tell me that they've saved money themselves. Most bloggers begin blogging with the goal of helping others. Please, never lose sight of that.

For those of you wanting to start your own blog, you can read my other postings in the Blog DIY Series HERE. (Scroll to the bottom and work your way up.)

This will be under "Blog DIY Series" in my left sidebar under "Resources" for future reference.

NOTE: If you are affiliated with any others that you like, I'm all ears! :) Please let me know and I'll update the list. Thanks!

Help For New Couponers & Bloggers

I've been receiving some emails and comments lately from readers asking for various "helps" with couponing and blogging.

Over the next few weeks, you'll be seeing some postings going up with information on how to coupon and how to create a blog. As I post these, I'll add them on my right sidebar under "Info and How Tos."

Veterans: I will still do my best to bring you the best deals/freebies etc during this time. But please be patient with me as I try to help out our soon-to-be new friends. The goal of "Coupon Geek" has always been to help others. I feel that it is important that I take this time to help out those that are just beginning to coupon and blog.

Newbies: Please also be patient with me. I'll do my best to get these postings up as fast as I can. But it is more important to me that the postings have the most useful info. possible, which takes time to write up. I'm also doing this while taking care of my 2 year old, Nathan and my 3 month old, Kaydi. As you'll soon learn, my family always comes first. :)

ASK THE READERS
To provide you with the best series possible, I'd like to know what areas you are currently either struggling with or would like to learn more on. Please remember, I don't claim to be an expert in either field, but I can teach you what I do know. I also have great friends that have offered to help when I get stuck. :)

So drop me a comment/email letting me know what you'd like to learn! (Click on Comments under this posting. Either log-in under your Google ID or choose Anonymous and just add your name on the comment.)

And thank you to all for stopping by Coupon Geek. I'm excited to meet you all! If you have any friends/family that have been wanting to learn how to coupon/blog, make sure you tell them to stop by and we'll try and help them out, too!