This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I make a few pennies, which I then save up and use to buy cupcakes and cheap wine. Thank you for helping keep me sane.
A couple of weeks ago I found out about Melissa @The Happier Homemaker‘s new eBook “Blog2Biz“, and when I had the chance to give it a read and do a review, I jumped all over it.
Over the past three years I’ve mostly been a hobby blogger, making a little money or scoring a free product here or there. But I’ll be honest, I’ve always been a little envious of the bloggers out there even making a part-time income from blogging. How did they make it happen? Hard work? Knowing the right people? Luck? And of course, do I actually have what it takes to make it happen too?
After reading Blog2Biz and, I feel like making money at this is attainable for anyone who wants to put in the effort. But more importantly, it left me feeling like I could do it without compromising who I’ve become as a blogger over the past three years. That was exciting for me, because, I’ll be honest again: I could really use the money. Paying rent and a mortgage at the same time is pretty much as fun as you’d imagine it to be. Plus, cheap bottles of wine add up over time!
So, back to the book. Here are a few of the things that really stood out to me as I was reading through it (and furiously making a blogging to-do list that still makes me a little excited when I look at it):
- It’s personal. Melissa starts off with her blogging success story. She was just a hobby blogger at first too. You get the sense that, hey, if she can do it, so can I!
- She doesn’t assume you already know the basics. After three years of blogging, I’ve picked up some knowledge here or there, so the first couple of chapters of the book felt like a review. But for someone just starting out, they’re a goldmine of information laid out neatly in one place.
- When there are topics that go outside the scope of the book, you aren’t left hanging. She provides resources for further education.
- The book naturally encourages you to take your time, and do things right. At just over 50 pages, you could zip right through the book, but that’s not really how it’s meant to be read. Melissa has added brainstorming assignments after each section so you can absorb the information and start to put it into action.
I wish I’d picked up a book like this three years ago when I started my blog. I know I’ve spent hours upon hours of searching out much of the same information that Melissa has included in one place. It would have saved me so much time, and I would probably be a in a very different place with my blogging by now.
Do you have any concerns like I do about going from hobby blog to money-making blog? I’d love to hear what they are!
Checkout Melissa’s blog here
Purchase Blog2Biz here
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i will for sure have to look into that book! I’ve always wondering if I should keep blogging or quit, maybe it will make me keep blogging!!
Hi Trish, I have been blogging 6 years and you never stop learning! Thanks for bringing this to my attention, I picked up a copy (so hope you get credit!).
Andi recently posted…Friday Foodie â Lisa of Snappy Gourmet
very cool! Thanks for sharing and I’m looking for ward to checking out the book, sounds like a resource. you’re awesome! -Holly
Holly recently posted…5 Things I love about Fall in Southern California
Thanks for taking the time to review the book Tricia, I’m glad it was helpful!!
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker recently posted…Christmas Planner Printable
Thank you so much for sharing! I have only been blogging for 6 months and I have so much to learn! I can’t wait to get this book!
amber recently posted…Puffy Paint Pumpkins
There is always so much more to learn and this book sounds like a great resource. Thanks for sharing!
Lavende & Lemonade recently posted…Farm to Table Organic Cheese
Thank you for sharing! I will be looking into that book! <3
Thank you for sharing! I will be looking into that book! <3
Shipra recently posted…MAC The Matte Lip (Partial) Collection Photos, Swatches and Review
Thank you for sharing! I will be looking into that book! <3
Shipra recently posted…MAC The Matte Lip (Partial) Collection Photos, Swatches and Review
Love your blog design! I will be looking into this book!
I love the idea of a blogging book that actually gives you a little homework after each chapter! I’m definitely the zip-through-it-and-forget-all-you-read type when it comes to these things.
Lix recently posted…A Look At The Past Six Months With Printrbook
I’d love to check out this book – sounds like you can learn a lot from it! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing! I will definitely look into this.
I always worry that it will be less content and more review and product placement. I always want my blog to sound like me.
I am with you. I love blogging but it is mostly a hobby right now. I would love to monetize but wonder about how effective it would be. But I think the best way to do it is to just go for it and learn as much as you can.
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://www.theaccidentalmama.com
The Accidental Mama recently posted…What’s Going On October 2014
Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda recently posted…Cute Mugs for Fall
Oh thank you for introducing me to this book! Just this weekend I was thinking how it would be nice to start making some money from blogging but I have no idea how to go about that. I will have to check out this book!
This sounds like a great book to look into!
Jessica Doll recently posted…Red Rock Canyon State Park
Sounds like a great book. Blogging is constantly changing, though, so you never know what’s gonna happen.
Thanks for sharing! I’m trying to understand blogging strategies and I will look into this book.
Vidya Sudarsan recently posted…Chic French Interiors
Thanks for the info. I have just had my six month anniversary. I will have to try to start making some money out of it.
Interesting! I know a few people I could recommend this book to.
Nina Say recently posted…Tips for Getting Through Your Workday More Successfully
Sounds like a great place to learn! I need to take to the next level!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) recently posted…Goldbaums #glutenfree #review – Check out these @Goldbaums products!
I have actually three active blogs and two are just for hobby and one is for money-making. There’s nothing wrong if you’re converting the intent of the blogs. What’s important is that you’re happy with what you’re doing.
Sounds like a good read. It’s good that so many authors are putting out good material to help newbies avoid mistakes and actually make money with their blog.
Erica Brooks recently posted…Enjoying German Culture at Germantown Oktoberfest
It’s nice that she started out as a hobbyist blogger, which just means she’s blogging close to her passion. It’s no wonder she ended up successful and created a good business out of it.
Franc Ramon recently posted…Run United Philippine Marathon
Looks like a book worth looking into. That’s for putting it on my radar!
FamiGami recently posted…Julep Maven Unboxing & Review (Sept 2014)
Totally a good book to check out if you want to earn more through blogging.
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted…New York Fashion Week: The Latest Trends Straight from the Catwalk
You got my attention on this. Thanks for the tips on how to earn in blogging.
This book actually looks really helpful – thank you for sharing!
Jamie recently posted…Manage Your Mondays
That sounds like a real page turner for bloggers! I’ll need to look at this book, thanks!
This is a great resource! Thanks for letting us know about it. It sounds like it’s got some great tips!
Danielle recently posted…Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest
This sounds like a book that could help many wanting to make money on blogging. Love it . Thanks for sharing.,
Thank you for sharing. Im always looking for great new ideas.
kristin recently posted…5 Reasons Why I Want My Daughter To Do Ballet
This would be a great book for anyone looking to start making money with there blog. It would make a great gift for a new blogger.
Good to know, I’m always looking for good blogging reference pieces! I’m a bit curious to hear what you’ll be changing/acting upon in your near future, based upon the info you learned in her book.
For myself, I’m getting a bit more involved with (high-quality) affiliate programs, and looking to strengthen my video platform. Next on my list is to create a media kit so that I can present stronger pitches… 🙂
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
lauriel recently posted…Simple Style: Silk Jumper and Delicate Gold Jewelry
This one sounds highly informative. I’m going to have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
This sounds like a must read for bloggers!
HilLesha recently posted…Venture from the Nest with Birdling Bags
I’ve made quite a bit on blogging, but because I’m a WordPress website designer and developer, I couldn’t focus on being a content creating machine and also relying on ads and affiliate links. I’m sure once I get my personal site in gear, I’ll do fine.
Thanks for sharing this review and hope it helps everyone who reads it. It’s important to put a plan together and follow through or making money blogging will remain a dream.
Nile recently posted…Are You Snubbing Your Blog Competition?
I have only started blogging this year. This sounds like a book I need to check out. I would love to be able to start making a part time income from this.
Cass Sudduth recently posted…DKnight Magicbox Ultra-Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Looks like something I need to read! I love tips from different bloggers because everyone has such great insight.
Oh wow, there’s a book about blogging. I don’t know that. I want to earn from blogging and make this as my full-time job.
Kath Rivera recently posted…Balayage Ombre by Azta Urban Salon