In October 2018, I finally achieved one of my personal dreams: I quit my safe but boring 9-5 job to become a full-time blogger! I had been blogging for almost two years by then, gradually building up my blogging income until it surpassed what I was making at my office job.
Since then, many readers have asked me how to make a full-time income from blogging, so I decided to write this post to share my journey, offer some tips, and hopefully inspire you. If you’re not interested in making money from blogging, this might not be for you, but if you dream of turning your blog into a full-time gig, keep reading!
I started blogging in October 2016 while working my day job, with no prior knowledge about the business side of blogging. I learned everything on my own and took some great courses along the way. Initially, my goal was to make a few hundred pounds a month to ease financial pressure, but my long-term goal was to make enough to quit my job.
I tried various money-making sites and apps and started my blog to track my progress. I had heard about making money from blogging but wasn’t well-informed. Over time, I realized that making money from blogging requires focus and strategy. My income only took off when I started treating my blog like a business.
By October 2018, just two years after starting, I was making more from blogging than my office job, so I quit and became a professional blogger. Now, I have two income-generating blogs, with Boost My Budget being the most profitable. I also make money from Merch by Amazon and other smaller avenues like website testing and survey sites.
I believe in having multiple income streams to avoid putting all my eggs in one basket. Blogging can be more secure than a regular job because of the diverse income sources, but I still explore other opportunities for quick cash, like survey sites and website testing.
My main income streams from blogging are affiliate marketing, advertising, and sponsored posts. I prefer affiliate marketing and advertising because they are passive income sources. Sponsored posts can be profitable but require more effort and time.
I used to publish monthly income reports but stopped because they took too much time and I felt they were less useful to my readers. Instead, I now share occasional updates about my business growth and general earnings.
Blogging does come with some expenses, but it can be a very affordable business to run. My regular monthly expenses are about £50, covering web hosting, mailing list services, graphic tools, and accounting software. I also budget £150-£200 a month for business reinvestment, like training courses.
If you make more than £1000 a year from your blog, you’ll need to register as self-employed and submit a tax return. I recommend setting aside a percentage of your income each month to cover your tax bill.
Building a blog while working full-time is challenging and requires dedication. I used to get up 90 minutes early every day to work on my blog. Treat your blog time like a second job and schedule it in your diary. Consistency is key.
A few lessons helped my blog grow to a full-time income:
1. **Stick it out**: Commit to at least one year before deciding if blogging is for you. Focus on creating quality content and learning about blogging.
2. **Write popular content**: Look at what’s already popular and put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to cover topics others have written about.
3. **Focus on one social media platform**: Concentrate on one platform at a time, with Pinterest being a great choice for new bloggers.
4. **SEO is crucial**: SEO helps you rank well in search engine results, leading to a steady flow of visitors.
5. **Invest in blogging education**: Taking courses can provide a structured plan and unique insights that free resources might not offer.
Some courses that made a significant difference for me include Pinteresting Strategies, Billionaire Blog Club/Dare to Conquer, and various guides by PotPieGirl.
Blogging has brought me immense happiness, freedom, and unlimited earning potential. I love that there’s always something new to learn and test. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, I have a full tutorial on how to set up a blog and make money. If you’re already blogging, I’d love to hear about your journey. Good luck, and remember, you can do it too!