Nobody will tell you this!
The scary ecosystem of blogging, and affiliate marketing
I find this ecosystem scary because this ecosystem offers nothing new, a lot of people get into it, they start promoting the same thing, and they produce more such bloggers, but most of them fail.
The majority of what you see online is just repetition.
There’s nothing new, just Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.
Every new blogger starts out by reading a ‘how to start a blog’ guide, and then they start a new blog and teach people ‘how to start a blog’ too.
Also, they copy the exact same steps to start a blog — Domain, Hosting, WordPress, WordPress themes, etc.
The reason for this is that it’s the only way they can do affiliate marketing to promote WordPress related products, and web hosting services, and earn money out of it.
It’s like being stuck in a loop with a group of aspiring bloggers, you read something about blogging, you write the same thing on your blog, you promote the same affiliate products, and other aspiring bloggers read your blog post and do the same thing.
I want to be transparent here,
As a blogger myself, I started my blogging journey in exactly the same way. Normally I write about other topics, but somehow I was infected with the same ‘virus’ to write those kinds of articles. I have also written blog posts on “how to start a blog” and lots of other posts on blogging. By the way, some of them are unique and valuable.
Nowadays, there are many alternatives to WordPress for blogging. You can start writing on platforms such as Medium, Substack, and Ghost.
However, most of the bloggers only discuss about WordPress because they can make money if you start using the WordPress ecosystem as well.
I find this ecosystem scary because this ecosystem offers nothing new, a lot of people get into it, they start promoting the same thing, and they produce more such bloggers, but most of them fail.
There are many new bloggers (I call them baby bloggers, LOL) who invest money and fail after working on the same niche for a while because of the competition.
WordPress is a great platform to create your own personal website, where you can do whatever you want. Moreover, you can also monetize your site using ads. You can design and customize it the way you want, as I did with InuEtc.com, Inuidea.com, and Hostneur.com.
However, if you only want to focus on your writing, then platforms like Medium would be the best options for you.
It is also important to note that when you start your own website, you have to invest money, you have to take care of a lot of things, and you have to think about SEO, traffic, and security.
Initially, no one reads your first blog on your new website because there is no traffic to it as you are just starting out.
But, when you write on Medium, you’re writing for an existing audience of over 100 million active users. You just need to focus on your writings here, nothing else.
You don’t need to worry about hosting, domain name, design, or SEO. Just write quality content, and you will see the results.
What is the best way to monetize Medium posts?
On Medium, you can’t monetize your content using ads.
But, that’s not completely true. Although you can’t use AdSense or other ad networks, you can still publish sponsored posts and ads from direct clients.
Also, you can promote your products and services. I regularly promote the services I offer, my blog Inuidea.com, our agency Hostneur, and my new book Ups and Downs.
You can also earn money through the Medium Partner Program. Unfortunately, it’s not available in India, so I can’t make money from it. You can make money promoting affiliate products on Medium, and you can also accept donations from your readers through platforms like Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon.
What is the best way to monetize Substack newsletter?
On Substack, you can monetize your newsletter through paid subscribers. Additionally, once your newsletter becomes popular, you can receive sponsorship from brands. You can also get newsletter brand deals through platforms like Paved.com.
Should I start a WordPress site?
It all depends on your requirements.
If you want a website that is completely yours, then you should start a WordPress website.
If you want to promote your work the way I do and build your personal brand, then you should start a website. You can use your website as a portfolio or as an online store to sell your products and services.
But, if you just want to write and don’t want to take extra headaches, I suggest you start writing on Medium. It’s a great platform to start your writing journey. Once you feel the need for a personal website, you can always start one.
You may also need a website if you own a business and want to sell something online. The main point is that you don’t need a website if you just want to write and make money writing online, although you can start a blog if you have the budget and if you want to publish your writing on a platform of your own, just like I did with Inuidea.com.
If you really think that you need a website, you can hire me to design a stunning website according to your requirements. To know more about my services, you can visit my work with me page or visit our agency’s website — Hostneur.com.
How to write something original?
If you want to build a brand and make a name for yourself while making money online, do something different; if you want to steal, steal like an artist.
Originality is a myth.
Trying to come up with some completely original idea is pointless — if it’s ‘completely original’, it is probably worthless.
However, there is something called ‘almost original’ and if you want to call yourself an original creator, you have to create something that is ‘almost original’.
The only way to create something original is to use your brain, to put your thoughts, your experiences, and your emotions into it.
Keep writing.
Work smart, earn passively, and do what you love.
Take care. 💚
Thanks for reading this article. 💚
If you loved what you read, would you be able to buy me a cup of coffee? Or purchase a copy of Ups and Downs? It’s okay if you can’t right now.
If you have any questions or if you wanna work with me, feel free to contact me. I’m always available to help young hustlers like you @InuEtc on Instagram.
Keep hustling!
