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Easy Tips to Make Money Blogging

Creating and managing your own website has never been easier since the explosion of blog websites on the Internet. “Blogs,” short for weblogs, are websites that produce new content on a regular basis. Blog popularity is based on the amount of Internet traffic directed to the website. Since blogs consistently update their content, blog writers develop an audience that follows the posts. Upon discovering this, companies have jumped at the opportunity to reach new demographics for products and services by writing blogs. As a result, it is possible for individuals, companies, organizations, and many more groups to make money blogging.

Money can be made through a blog in a few different ways:

Advertising: Particularly for personal blogs, advertisers have access to an untapped marketing opportunity. Based on the topic of the blog—for example, fashion—companies that offer products and services related to the topic can advertise on the site. The blog reaches a predetermined demographic for the company. The readers already have an interest in the topic of the blog. Advertisers can then point toward specific products and services related to the topic, which will ensure successful sales. You can make money blogging by advertising space on your site, much like advertising space in a newspaper.

Affiliate Programs: Another one of the benefits of blogging is that bloggers can earn money from affiliate programs. Affiliate programs are companies that will link up with a blog to increase Internet traffic toward a particular product or service. Like advertising, bloggers apply for the programs that complement the topic about which they write. However, this differs from advertising because, instead of selling advertising space on the website, the company pays for the blogger to promote the product or service in the content of the blog. Bloggers will post links on their page that direct the audience toward the company’s website. Bloggers are then paid commissions based on how much traffic the website receives.

Selling Products: Individuals and companies can sell their products and services on a blog as a way of directly engaging with the audience. They can promote their products and connect with the audience on a more personal level. Customers can also ask questions and leave comments.

As you can see, while blogs are often considered a site for self-expression, they can also be used for business purposes. You might be thinking, “Well, if everyone has a blog these days, sign me up.”

You can make money blogging, but it’s not always simple. There are a few things to consider before starting your very own blog:

What is my topic going to be? Maybe you write movie reviews, maybe you invent your own recipes, or maybe you want to document the adventures of your cats. Whatever the topic is, there must be a market for a particular product, or there is no business model. Make sure your topic is specific enough that it can attract a common audience, but original and interesting enough that readers will want to continue to follow you.

Can I keep my blog up to date? The whole appeal of advertising through a blog is the promise that readers will return to read more. This means that the author needs to be writing compelling posts on a regular basis that will engage the readers. Once there is a steady flow of traffic, advertising opportunities can emerge.

Even though writing a blog might take time and energy, it can be incredibly rewarding to earn money by discussing interesting topics on the Internet.

 

Politically Incorrect: Grammar Mistakes in Public Speaking Will Cost You

How knowledge of grammar (or lack thereof) can affect how you are perceived

It comes as no surprise that poor grammar has damaging impacts in the workplace. Multiple surveys and studies, as reported by such sources as Forbes Magazine and Real Business, show that employers and audiences alike respond negatively to grammar mistakes in professional settings. According to a 2013 survey, nearly 60% of Britons not only have a lower opinion of companies that exhibit spelling or grammatical errors on their websites, but actively avoid the services of such companies. The correct use of grammar indicates that an individual is well educated, attentive, and professional. In contrast, poor grammar contributes to the perception that one is careless or unqualified for a professional position.

These principles and consequences apply not only to written language, but to the spoken form as well, particularly in avenues like politics, where public perception is paramount. Susan Adams of Forbes Magazine explains the importance of proper grammar in public speaking:

When you speak, you project your level of intelligence and thoughtfulness. You also demonstrate how organized you are, in your thoughts and in your intentions. If you can get your sentences straight before you say them, you’re promising that you’re more likely to master tasks at work. The other thing eloquence suggests is that you are listening closely to the other person, and you’re serious about what you want to convey to that person. Good grammar and clear sentences suggest respect.

The powerful impact that grammar mistakes can have on a speaker’s credibility can be attributed to what has been dubbed the “halo effect,” as examined by Chandra Clarke, entrepreneur and author. Clarke states that this effect is one by which people view each other in generalized terms (e.g., “good” or “bad,” rather than a mix of qualities), and that the impact of one quality can affect how we perceive a person as a whole. In the world of politics and public speaking, having a reputation for bungled speech and poor grammar usage can influence crucial audiences to believe that you are inattentive and unintelligent.

Grammar mistakes paint an unflattering picture. Those pursuing a career in politics, or any other field that requires generating public support through speaking engagements, would be well advised to brush up on their grammar knowledge before stepping up to any podiums or soap boxes. To make the process of reaching grammatical proficiency a little easier, let us take a look at some easy grammar mistakes to avoid, as extracted from unfortunate addresses by former president George W. Bush.

Grammar Blunder #1: Lack of subject/verb agreement

“Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?”

Grammar Blunder #2: Incorrect pluralization

“Childrens do learn!”

Grammar Blunder #3: Lack of subject/verb agreement AND incorrect pluralization (oh dear)

“I hear there’s rumors on the Internets!”

Grammar Blunder #4: Dangling modifiers

“I remember meeting the mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office.”

Grammar Blunder #5: Misused pronouns

“Teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.”

Grammar Blunder #6: Redundancy

“Tribal sovereignty means that, it’s sovereign.”

Grammar Blunder #7: Subject/object/modifier confusion

“She is a West Texas girl, just like me!”

Grammar Blunder #8: Preposition and object confusion

“. . . and you’re working hard to put food on your family . . .”

Grammar Blunder #9: Incorrect article usage

“One of the things I’ve used on the Google . . .”

Grammar Blunder #10: Sentence construction = altered meaning

“I oppose breaching those dams. I know that human beings and fish can coexist peacefully.”

“Our enemies . . . never stop thinking of ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we!”

“Too many OBGYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women across this country.”

Granted, not all slip-ups will be as damning as these, but in any position scrutinized by the public eye, it is better to err on the side of caution. It is a challenge to secure public support, financial contributions, or votes even with perfect public speaking ability; don’t sabotage your chances before your audience has even had the chance to hear your message. Focus on avoiding grammar mistakes.

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