Recently I was contacted by another blogger who was offering an affiliate opportunity. While pitch emails are quite common, this one was unusual. Her claim was that she had developed a “fail-proof” course and anyone who bought it was “guaranteed” to make a full-time income from blogging. That alone is a stretch, but when she promised it could be done in 4 months or less, I nearly fell off my chair!
Folks, let’s be clear: Nobody is making a lot of money in the first 4 months of blogging and I mean nobody! Personally, I didn’t make even a nickel in the first 6 months and months 7-12 were very, very slow. It takes a while for a blog to find an audience and anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed or outright lying.
While there is nothing wrong with being an affiliate, I do think it’s wrong to endorse products you don’t personally like, use, believe in, etc. I also know that readers can tell when someone is using them for a quick buck and they will leave that sort of blog forever.
When I started blogging a few years ago, it was with the intent of writing about things that were on my heart, addressing some of the topics I’m focused on, and creating a forum for Jewish women from all backgrounds and observance levels.
Within a couple months, I started to have readers and comments. Some of these were negative, but even that type of bad feedback helped me to grow as a blogger—something I am forever grateful for. I started to become more polished and confident. Opportunities to review products, host giveaways, and do sponsored posts followed, allowing me to actually turn my hobby into a micro business that keeps growing.
Blogging has become my passion. No, I don’t make a big income, but maybe I will one day, and even if I don’t, I would keep doing it for free because I truly love it! I’ve met so many wonderful people and had a lot of interesting things present themselves through blogging. I get the chance to write about anything and everything I have ever wanted to. I get the chance to help and inspire others.
That is why blogging matters to me. You, my reader, is what matters. An affiliate fee, no matter how large, does not matter if it compromises my credibility or alienates readers. I don’t claim to be perfect; like everyone else I deal with problems every single day and struggle to balance my work and home responsibilities. I don’t have life all figured out, but I’m willing to talk about it regularly and openly.
Can everyone become a successful blogger? No. But anyone who wants to try it definitely should, with an emphasis on authenticity. Let’s focus on community instead of quick cash. Let’s make our blogs a force for good, for healing, for hope. I know many bloggers are so broke that the idea of turning down even a $5.00 bonus is unthinkable. If that’s you, please don’t think I’m judging. If you have the ability to pick and choose, be selective. In the long run, you’ll be able to make a living without sacrificing your integrity.
