Hey there everyone!
As some of you may know I started this little bloggy right at the beginning of the year (2016) with yarn in hand, creativity abounding, and no expectations.
It’s been 9 months since then and BOY have things changed.
Below is a breakdown of my current traffic and income here on the blog, and some factors that led me here.
Now, you may be asking yourself “Why on EARTH would she put her income and numbers out there for all the world to see? Isn’t that part of the secret sauce?”
Nope! I started this blog a short while ago and have found great success (considering how long I’ve been working on it).
I want to encourage others to blog too!
In the crochet niche of the internet, I’ve found one thing to be true – lots of people crochet, but not very many are publishing new patterns and putting out content.
There is a very small group of crochet bloggers out there (spend any time on Pinterest and you’ll quickly name several) dominating the market.
And this job is not hard to do!
Let me repeat that. THIS JOB IS NOT HARD TO DO.
It took me about half an hour to set up my blog initially and although I’ve made many adjustments along the way, my blog has been earning me good money with a really basic setup.
Now what do I mean by “good money”?
September Income
- Google Adsense: $910.18
- Sponsored Content: $1,325
- Amazon Associates: $39.73
- Infolinks: $71.40
- Etsy Pattern Sales: $294.60
- MadMimi: $27
- Adobe Creative Cloud: $9.99
- Etsy Seller Fees: $38.85
- Supplies for blog posts: $50
*Keep in mind that not all of this money is mine forever. I am the sole proprietor of my business and will pay taxes, am responsible for my own health insurance, and other expenses that a traditional job would supply. That’s still a lot of dough for playing with yarn though!
September Traffic
Some screenshots from google analytics:
Pageviews for the month of September
Top ten traffic sources
Moving forward I plan to expand my avenues of income by:
- Working with more affiliate programs (I’m taking a course now on affiliate marketing for bloggers that I’ll be telling you all about soon!)
- Continuing to write sponsored blog posts and am always taking new jobs with brands
- Move my ad network from Google to a new network
- Work on becoming a consultant for new bloggers & sharing my knowledge!
Yep, you read that last bullet right!I’ll be putting together a guide all about how to start your very own Crochet/DIY/Craft Blog very soon — what do ya think? Leave me a comment below!
Amanda Jones says
i would love to take advantage of your services as a consultant. Your blog and tips are encouraging me that anything is possible. In the last year I’ve taken up crochet since being taught many years ago by my grandmother when I was a small child. I have been exploring options for how I can use it to make an income. Having rediscovered my love of creativity through crochet and being very unhappy at work is pushing me hard to do something for myself. I have spent the last year practicing my craft at every possible moment and visiting lots of craft events to see if I’m any good. I’ve realised that I am very clever and can do this but I need some help to get going. My salary is a lot to give up and I’m the chief breadwinner in our house so there is a lot riding on my success.
AshleighK says
Hey there! I’m so happy you find my tips encouraging! At the moment I am not offering consultant services, but in the next few months I’ll be putting together many more articles on what exactly I’ve done to grow my blog and earn an income. I do recommend going ahead and getting started while still working – have your blog on the side and build up the content/get in the groove slowly. I have a post here on how to start your blog: https://www.sewrella.com/start-diy-blog. Hope this helps, and thanks so much!
Julie Butler says
I am very curious how much time you spend a day blogging?
AshleighK says
Great question Julie! I never spend more than 4-5 hours a day “working” – now that can be writing blog posts, working on social media, crocheting, etc. But I do generally work just about every day on one thing or another. I try to keep up with comments and questions as well as emails daily and I always have a project in my hands while I relax and watch TV! (But where do I draw the line at work and play when my job is so fun??) And I never hesitate to take a day off when my 6 month old isn’t feeling well or I have other engagements going on. Hope this helps!
Terry says
Really happy for your progress. Only just started learning to crochet myself. This is very encouraging. THANKS
Beth Burke says
Yes, I’m interested in blogging. I love crocheting, am self taught (even before youtube) and would love to share what I know with others AND make money! I wouldn’t even know how to start a blog though..I read your comment from below and will check out that site.
Thanks!
Beth Burke says
Hi
I am VERY interested in creating a blog for profit! I am a self-taught crocheter (even before the days of youtube)! My grandmother used to crochet, and I too, have one of her granny square blankets! Thinking of a domain name…my FB page is Snug As A Bug by Beth but I feel it’s too long…I’d love any advice and tips you can give me and I’d love to receive your emails! But I originally closed the page and now it won’t come back for me to sign up! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!
AshleighK says
Hi Beth! I love the name Snug as a Bug! The trick is finding something new and original – this one took me a while but once you find your stage name you’ll know it’s perfect. Put a blast out on Facebook and see if people have any clever suggestions? I’ve realized this is a great way to tap into all those creative minds out there. 🙂 As far as my email list, if you view the web version on my blog there is a sidebar box where you can enter your email!
Kel says
I came across your blog while perusing Pinterest! Although I crochet tons, your link to blogging came up instead of your crochet work. ? So, I’ve been thinking about starting a blog for some time now. From what I told, it’s very difficult to grow a decent size income (from getting traffic to ads and such). Also, my concern is content. Now, I’ve been crocheting for several years, but I’m not one to create my own patterns. I buy patterns as well as make the free ones that catch my eye. So, that’s what I do. I’m also starting to dabble with knitting. But, again, content is my main concern and then gaining traffic. Now off to look at your patterns!
AshleighK says
Hey there! I do have a blog post on creating money-making content that is filled with tips on how I ensure my content is successful, and it is targeted toward original content. Check it out here: https://www.sewrella.com/2016/10/creating-money-making-content-for-your.html
I’ll also be putting together a post soon on driving traffic to your blog so stay tuned!
Janet says
I have been looking for something and what do you know I have read 2 of your blogs today. Hmmmm maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.
Please add me to your list of people that needs an extra push.
Ashleigh says
You can do it, Janet! It’s all up to you 🙂
Kathy says
Looking for something to do when I retire (soon). I have been crocheting for a while, self taught years ago before YouTube. Just recently got back into crocheting. I am very interested to learn how you make money crocheting and blogging! Hope to hear from you soon. Best regards, Kathy
Ashleigh says
If you go to my “start a blog” tab, there is an article called “monetize your blog” that should help explain most of that. 🙂