Blogging = Cash??? (Part 2)

As I've said in the last post, Google Adsense is a great tool for making money online. Although for newer blogs (such as this one), it can be really hard to build up some traffic. My recommendation? Google AdWords. I know I mentioned it on the last post, but I feel as though I should go in depth with what Google AdWords really is.

We all know that Google is the king of search engines now-a-days, and most people only see Google as merely a search engine. Little do they know it can be one of advertiser's greatest tools of their trade. Before I go into detail about AdWords I want to explain how a search on Google works. When a user types in something into the search box and presses "Search", Google sends out search "spiders", these spiders dig through thousands of sites in a matter of seconds searching for sites that boast the keywords the user typed into the search box. What gets displayed one the first few pages of the search results depends on a number of factors and algorithms, so it's safe to say these spiders might leave a fairly new blog out of the front pages.

Thats where Google AdWords comes in. Bloggers buy ads based on keywords, and Adwords place those ads as "sponsored" links on Google search pages and sites that use Adsense. Bloggers can also choose to put these ads up through Google partners such as AOL, Netscape and Ask.com. Very easy to use, highly recommended for any newer blogs looking for fast traffic.

Remember that there are only three ways to get to a website

1. Using a search engine
2. Via link from another site or domain
3. By direct navigation. (Typing URL into toolbar)

So to maximize the amount of traffic you get to your site or blog, here are three things you can do to drive traffic through each of these means of online navigation:

1. Use keywords that will drive your rating on search engines to the top of the list (or sign up for AdWords)
2. Use social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and Twitter to drive traffic towards your sites. (or again, use AdWords)
3. Develop loyal readers and visitors to your blog by keeping content fresh and relevant.

Now that you know this you can try starting up a blog of your own, be sure that it is something you are passionate about and something that you can write about often.

On another note, many people dislike Google Adsense because of their strict policies and unexplained bans on some successful bloggers. So here are some great alternatives that you can also check out if you feel Google is right for you:

• AdBrite
• BidVertiser
• Chitika
• Infolinks
• Clicksor

Blogging = Cash???

Yup, you read right! Blogging can get you some well deserved cash flow, if you know what your doing, that is. So let me introduce something you might already be familiar with: Google Adsense! Adsense is a great way for online store owners and bloggers alike to gain some revenue from there website/blog.

Some key tips to maximize your cash flow:

• Keep your topic the same throughout your site. In other words, if your sites about stock market tips, don't ramble on about how your dog is the cutest dog ever. Stay on topic people!
• Help your ads stand out by experimenting with different colors, borders, fonts, and positioning 
• Utilize tools like Google's Website Optimizer and AdWords (<-- a paid service but so worth it!)
• Don't make your website seem all bunched up, space it out a bit. 
• It's been reported that ads placed on the right side in the "skyscraper" format get the most clicks
• Don't be afraid to increase the value of clicks, use keywords that rake in the dough faster than the others
• Continue to update your site and keep those posts coming!

Think of it as renting space on your site. Advetisers are looking for relevant sites to place their ads. So they have Google look through these sites and find the perfect match between publisher and advertiser. The ads get placed on your site and every time someone clicks on one of these ads, you can feel a few cents (or maybe a bill or two) fall into your pocket! What does that mean? Easy. More traffic, more clicks. More clicks, more money.

*NOTE: Never under any circumstances click on your own ads. It is considered fraud and your account could be banned!

To Be Continued .....