If I had a dollar for every time I was asked – So, how do you make money? – I would easily, and I mean easily, be a millionaire. It is THE number one question I get asked. I often wonder if people ask so they can do what I am doing or what? Do you go up to the rest of your friends and ask – hey, where did that $20 come from?
I don’t mind answering this question, but it surprises me that instead of wanting to hear amazing stories of where I have been people, want to know how I could afford to get there. People often think that I am rich – far from it. I go without most things so I can continue traveling. It is all about what you are willing to sacrifice to follow your dreams. If you have ever wondered, here it is – How I Make Money. It’s Not by Giving Out Free Hugs. But if you need a hug – just ask – because those will always be free!
Content Writer
This is by far my #1 moneymaker. I write content for other bloggers from gardening to travel articles. I write social media and website design articles too. I either am a ghostwriter where my client claims my writing as their own or more often than not, I receive a byline on their blog. Content writing ranges from $35-350 per article based on word count and topic, if images are needed, and if any research is involved. I primarily write about travel, craft beer and wine, gardening, fitness tech, running, social media and websites, plus technology. Yep, everything I currently write about, just for other websites and bloggers.
–>> One of the writers I used to ghostwrite for just brought me on as a Contributor on her blog Roadschooling with The Frugal Navy Wife. She has been reading about my life on the road these past two years and has decided to pack her family up in an RV and do the same. How cool is that?
This is an example of a content piece I wrote for another blogger where I was given a byline.
Affiliate Marketing
The easiest way to describe this is that I make commissions on sales when you purchase from links I have embedded on my website. For instance, if you were to click on this Amazon link and purchase anything in the next 24 hours, I make 6-8% commission on it. You don’t pay anymore than normal, I just make a little bit of profit. Kind of awesome, right?
Here is an example of an Affiliate Link:
I really want this wine suitcase… and this is an Amazon product 🙂
Another example is if I link a tech store like Newegg.com and you make a purchase on there, I make a commission as well. Pretty much, if you can buy it online I can apply to be an affiliate, so basically, I can get paid when you shop. Oftentimes I can get discount codes to make it an even better deal for you! I made this Master List of Links that includes every site I currently work with and I update this monthly, or when I remember.
Sponsored Posts
When a brand asks me to write about their product or service it can be in a couple different forms. Sometimes the payment is just in product or the experience. Most often though, it is the product in addition to monetary compensation. I disclose every article where I have been given money or product. This sometimes can be a touchy subject, and not all bloggers play by the same rules. I will always give an honest review of a product or experience no matter if I received it for free or was paid monetarily. What kind of reviewer would I be if everything was sunshine and unicorns? Now if something is really bad I will ask the brand if they would like to send me something else or want me to try the experience again. Everyone has a bad day, brands are no different. I’m a big believer in second chances.
Here is an example of a Sponsored Post: Baseball-Inspired Workouts for That Perfect C-Shaped Butt.
I sure wish my ass looked like that! I’m working on it. 🙂
Consulting
I consult on a few different things including social media strategies, best practices for new bloggers setting up their blogs, to helping people create their dream business. I can come up with business ideas quite easily. I didn’t realize that other people don’t do this in their sleep. I do. I love to help others and I find consulting beginner bloggers to be my favorite consulting job right now.
Website Creation
I don’t do this one very much anymore. If I do decide to do it, I only work on one website until it is done. They are not my favorite thing to do (they are a tone of work) but they do generate the most amount of income in the shortest amount of time. I only take on WordPress clients and highly recommend that they have their website on WPEngine hosting.
I only recommend WPEngine for website hosting. If you are serious about your online business or blog, this is where it should be hosted. Plain and simple.
Ideas for Other Revenue Streams
I also setup itineraries for trips to Alaska and other US locations. Ping me for my rates at Kristi@KristiTrimmer.com. Advice from someone that has been where you want to travel is worth its weight in gold. Trust me on this one!
I’m also a Technical Editor and a Floral Designer. When I am in a city traveling around any holiday, I can pop into a flower shop and offer my services. I love working with flowers so it is a Win-Win situation all around!
How do you make money? It’s a loaded question isn’t it? Do you share with people your different revenue streams?
Great post. I make money by helping other businesses grow:) I , too, LOVE my non-job:)
In addition to a full-time seo writing gig, I freelance, write sponsored posts, participate in social media campaigns, and edit content.
Kristi,
I had the pleasure to meet you on a train in Alaska in June. I remember asking you, “How do you make money?” after you told me briefly what you do. I asked because I am completely unfamiliar with what you do and was rather curious, not so much nosey 😉 Thank you for such a complete explanation of what you do.
Keep up the great work! I’ll stick to reading and shopping the net!
We met at Toyota through Hughey a few years ago. I’m truly amazed to see what you have accomplished and it’s continued to be a treat to be friends on Facebook. I still make a living in the car business although I know I have so much more to offer the world.
Great article. I’ve met others that do this type of work and I’ve heard it can be difficult to get going. Do you find that to be true for your mentees?
I’m so glad that we met too! The auto business has come a long way over the last few years in social media, thankfully! For most people just starting out they can get frustrated because things (like a website) take time to build. If they want to be a blogger, we go through a series of steps to get them up and going. If I am helping with creating a new business, each step seems to be rewarding and challenging. Once the groundwork is done though, most of them are grateful that they had someone to hold their hand through the process and stay on for monthly conference calls. I love helping others get going! Let me know if I can help you too!
Wow, you keep so busy! It’s awesome that you’re able to work while still doing what you love. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.
Kristi this is a great list! Where do find place to apply to be a content writer? I’ve done a few but I’d love to more and GET PAID for them : ) Cheers!
this is a very informative article, I appreciate you writing and sharing it with your readers. I have been told for years that I need to make money off of my blog and I just haven’t taken that step yet. Being a stay at home mom with a house full of food allergies I just do the best I can with what I have. Your ideas make it seem very simple and I look forward to incorporating them soon into my own website.
Thank you Kristi! Maybe I played an itty-bitty part in your writing this article with my recent questions? I’d like to think so. Your post is wonderfully informative – and inspiring! As I consider next moves towards liberating myself from my current work situation, I’m encouraged by your generosity of spirit. I hope we’ll be in touch very soon.
Barbara
I’ve included the bookstore website. It’s not mine, but I work on it. It’s my very first and only experience within a website.