Hi girls. Happy Sunday night. Just wanted to pop in here really quick and address something. While out with my family today, I received a nasty message, and a follow up comment on my feed. A lady expressed how “sad it was, that on my feed I was doing it all for money, rather than announcing where everything could be shopped from”. I responded with a question, asking if she went to work for money? Anyways, this upset me on so many levels. But she has a point, it would so much easier for the followers to know without clicking on the link, right?
Whether you are a newbie blogger, have been thinking about starting a blog or you are simply wondering… how bloggers make money
Before I tell you how I make income from blogging, I wanted to tell you the why behind the affiliate links.
- Blogging is a job. Whether you agree or disagree, I get it. But for me it is a full time job. I spend 40-60 hours per week doing this. I know, often it looks like hey take a pic of my outfit, I post, you click… and bam it’s done. There is so much more that goes into this. From photography, editing, content creation, social media, blog and actual shopping. All you all see is the final product, the best, cherry picked just for you. The colorful graphics you see with outfit ideas or “how to style XYZ four different ways” posts take me an average of 4 hours to create.
- I blog because I love it. I blog because I make income from it. The income goes towards paying the bills, paying off student loans, paying for stuff for my kids. The income I am able to make from this, is something my family relies on.
- When I first started Blushing Rose Style, I never imagined I would be actually able to generate income. I was staying home with Grant, and the plan was for me to go back to work (find a job in NY) once we got settled in the area.
How Bloggers Make Money
I can only speak from my own experience.
- Affiliate links. I disclose on all my blog posts, and within my Privacy Policy the usage of affiliate links. What it means to you, if you click through any of my links, and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission or referral fee from the retailer. The commission varies from website to website, but it ranges between 5-15%. To give you an example, if I rave about my favorite A&F thermal top, which costs $30, and you buy it, I may receive $2 commission. If you don’t buy, I do not make anything. The referral paid to me comes directly from the retailer, it does not affect your price or cost.
- Sponsored Content. Often brands will reach out to bloggers and offer collaboration opportunities. When you see the hashtags like #ad or #sponsored you can assume that influencer has been compensated for their work. If you have followed me for a while, you know I do not do a ton of sponsored posts. I try really hard to be as authentic and real with my business. I often partner with brands that I already tell you gals about. This month for instance I worked with Walmart. It was a great fit for my brand, I went to the store the previous month and you all were excited about all my finds. So when the brand wanted to partner, I felt it was an organic match. I only choose to partner with brands I absolutely love, and also those that fit with my lifestyle. For example, when Reese was learning to ride a bike, and was ready for a new one, the brand WoomBikes reached out to me. Again, it was an organic fit with my lifestyle.
- Ad banners and widgets on the website. Bloggers can choose to place ads and banners on their sites. They can also sell ad space to brands. These can generate income via clicks, views or purchases. To be honest with you, I do not have any banners or ads on my site. Therefore I can’t speak exactly how and how much you can generate through that channel.
- Brand Ambassadors. This is something I also do not have much experience with. Influencers can partner long term with brands as their ambassadors. They often share specific discount codes with their followers. There is a chance when you see these types of posts, the influencer may make commission off each sale.
- Other: some bloggers offer styling services, consulting/ coaching services , host webinars, attend/ host events, etc.
RewardStyle/ LikeToKnowIt
RewardStyle is my affiliate platform. I use the LikeToKnowIt affiliate links on my social media and blog posts. RS tracks the clicks and sales for me, and pays my commissions from the retailers. When you see me talk about my LikeToKnowIt Profile available on my blog HERE and on mobile app HERE… that’s where I post and store all my outfit posts, with instant shopping links. These are affiliate (as in trackable) links that may result in me generating commission, if you choose to shop. Each blogger has their own links, the last persons’s link you click on, makes the commission.
I try to be honest and transparent with you all all the time. I understand not everyone agrees with blogging being a real job, or wanting to support it. And that is absolutely ok. If you choose to support me, please know I so appreciate it.
The message I was sent today implied I was some greedy human being just trying to get the click. So not true. I spend hours working on each and every post, I spend time away from kids working (just like any other person going to work), and I also have expenses associated with running this little business of mine.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for reading and supporting Blushing Rose Style. Please feel free to leave any questions in the comments, and I will either add more information to this post or reply to your comment.
Thank you all so much. And have a great evening.
XX,
Anna
October 29, 2018 @ 2:15 am
I am new to following fashion blogs in the last few months. What a wonder service you offer! I now spend a lot less time surfing the web shopping. For the perfect item at the best price. All the best deals in one place – you’ve done all the leg work. Your IG is my fave.
Thank you,
Carrie
October 29, 2018 @ 2:48 am
Thank you so much Carrie! I appreciate kind words and support! Made my evening.
XX,
Anna
October 29, 2018 @ 4:15 am
Anna the job your are doing is great , i can tell the effort and hard work you put in to it, I enjoy seeing your stories, your outfits are one of my favourites, because of you I download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app I didn’t now what it was???? i love your style . Keep up the good work you are amazing ????
October 29, 2018 @ 12:51 pm
Awe Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
Have a wonderful week.
XX,
Anna
October 29, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
Hi Anna, I am new follower and have been inspired to start my own blog. I love reading tips and advice (anything really) about blogging. Starting new I know I won’t be able to get on the Reward Style program right away -what other programs/sites would I be able to use so that I can create direct links for products on my blog? Thank you!!
October 29, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
Hi. Thank you so much for following along and congrats on your new venture. You can look into enrolling with ShopStyle. I think the CPA (per click) option is open to anyone. Once you have consistent posts and grow your following you should def apply with RS.
Best of luck,
XX
Anna
October 29, 2018 @ 2:48 pm
I can’t believe somebody had the nerve to want something instantly. It’s still free styling advice she is getting! If it helps someone else make money with a simple click that should be the least of her worries.
I do have 1 question as I actually go out of my way to make sure the bloggers I follow can get credit for what I purchase. If you are taken to the item clicked and it asks if I want to open the app to see it and purchase it, is that still considered a purchase so that you receive commission? Thank you for working so hard to create beautiful and inspirational content. I started a fashion blog before LIKEtoKNOW.it began and never started it up again since having kids so I know the hard work you put in!
October 29, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you so much for kind words. It really means a lot to me. And to answer your question, if it asks you to open the Liketoknow.it app then yes we (bloggers get credit) but if you open the actual retailer’s app (amazon, zappos, nord) we do not receive the commission. Hope that answers your question.
Thank again,
Anna
November 3, 2018 @ 12:16 pm
Hey girl~I look forward to your posts everyday. I do try and use your links and was wondering when shopping in a retail store if there is a way for you to receive credit for a purchase? I appreciate your styling advice, keep it coming.
November 3, 2018 @ 12:29 pm
Thank you so much Toni. I really appreciate your support. To answer your question, I don not get credit for in-store purchases. The only way would be if you place an order online but select in-store pick up. Sometimes it is just not feasible haha but I really do appreciate you asking. Again thank you so much!
XX,
Anna
November 11, 2018 @ 11:07 pm
Love following you on Instagram. How did you build your followers?
November 19, 2018 @ 5:52 pm
Hi! Thank you so much! I have been blogging for almost 3 years. It takes time, consistency (post everyday, 3x per day) and perseverance. It took me forever to get to the first 100 followers. You can also partner with other bloggers to do shout outs and giveaways.
XX,
Anna
November 22, 2018 @ 5:16 am
Anna, I have been looking for someone to explain what influencers, brand ambassadors, and all the other things are. You actually put it into words that I understood! I truly appreciate your post about blogging so much. I am researching and dreaming about starting a blog. I hope I can become a successful one soon. Thank you again! You made it easy to understand and I needed that.
November 22, 2018 @ 10:47 am
You are welcome! Best of luck.
XX,
Anna
February 7, 2019 @ 3:18 pm
I’m so sorry that happened! Im an Irish gal, used to live in college days in the US and now lives in Hong Kong and follow you and if I’m able to follow a link and purchase to deliver to HK I do it! Even if I can’t and I’m so sorry if I can’t click and make money for you please know that I truly enjoy your stories and posts and I’m so glad to see and watch them daily! Even if I’m not always able to contribute from a money perspective you are very talented at your blog and I enjoy it so much and thank you for sharing that passion as it makes a difference to me!! I think you’re fab!!! Loads of love from HK xxx
February 14, 2019 @ 5:10 pm
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the kind words.
XX,
Anna
February 8, 2019 @ 1:08 am
I love your blog and instagram. What’s a good platform to use to start up a blog? Thanks and keep up the great work.
February 14, 2019 @ 5:10 pm
I would recommend WordPress!
Thank you,
XX Anna
February 16, 2019 @ 2:55 am
Hi Anna!!!! Thank you for sharing this info! I am also a new mommy and what you bloggers do saves us so much time shopping, what you guys do is a service so yes you should be paid for it so don’t mind the negative comments! I absolutely love your content keep up the good work!
March 1, 2019 @ 2:25 pm
Awe thank you so much for the sweet message.I appreciate it so much.
XX,
Anna
September 12, 2020 @ 3:04 am
I don’t know why people are so mean on social media. I think you do an amazing job at this full time job. I’m sure it’s hard to block out all the negative comments that you see.
I enjoy your daily post and you sharing so much with everyone!
Keep up the amazing job! Katie K
September 12, 2020 @ 1:11 pm
Thank you so much for the kind words Katie. I really appreciate it. XX, Anna