Now that's a real piggy bank!
I get asked a lot how I make money blogging.
And I completely understand why.
That’s precisely what I wanted to know when I first started my online business a year ago.
Turned out that the formula for making money online is fairly simple in itself; just 4 simple steps paved the way.
4 Steps to Making Money Online:
Step 1. Find a profitable niche.
An ALREADY profitable niche. A niche where people are ALREADY making money.
Step 2. Build a Squeeze Page Around the Niche.
Talk about niche-related benefits. Take note that I said “benefits”, not products or features. Nobody wants to know what kind of product it is; we all want to know how it will change our lives for the better - TODAY.
Find a way to set yourself aside from the competition. See what they are doing successfully and do it better. See what their weak points are and turn them into winners.
Step 3. Build a List of Laser-Targeted Prospects.
Add an opt-in form to your page, like the one you see at the top of my sidebar. Encourage your readers to add their name and email to your list to receive even more great updates packed with benefits.
Step 4. Market Solutions to Your List.
Offer affiliate products that will truly and genuinely help them with whatever problem brought them to your squeeze page to begin with.
Too Bad It’s Not That Simple
Of course, you and I both know that making money online is just not that simple - DANG!
Which brings me to my next point:
When it comes down to making money online, my first and foremost objective is to find a way that brings me there the quickest, with the least time involved, avoiding as much stress and sweat as possible along the way.
Sounds like a tall order, yet many of us are doing it.
Just take a look at this: Make Money Blogging: Who and How Much?
2 Simple Steps To Making Money More Efficiently
Step 1. Educate yourself.
Sounds like a no-brainer, yet many bloggers and online marketers, including many of my readers, don’t do it.
When I am asked why I spill the beans on the nearest and dearest secrets of traffic generation, my response is always because only a very small percentage of my readers will actually IMPLEMENT the tips I teach here, at Traffic Generation Cafe.
That’s a sad fact.
I read other blogs daily.
I download and read every ebook available online on the topic of traffic generation.
I spent over $2K (!!!) on internet courses just last month.
Step 2. Choose the right tools to help you along.
That’s the key.
In our day and age of useless products swarming around and our significantly reduced buying capabilities, we need to be smart about WHAT tools we buy.
Not IF ANY, but WHICH ones.
I am very selective as far as what products and tools I actually use on my blog.
You can find a few of them - a very short list of them, I should say, on my Best Internet Marketing Tools page, but DO IT LATER.
Right now I want you to check this out first, since it’s a time-sensitive offer.
I have a love and hate relationship with holiday shopping.
I hate it because most sellers are smart enough to entice you to spend more money than you ever wanted or had.
I do love it though because it’s a great time to snatch some deals on products you couldn’t otherwise touch.
This is one of those deals I wish I got when I bought these products. But at least, now you have a chance to.
Yes, there is a price point here.
It’s $137.
Where’s the deal, you say?
MaxBlogPress Christmas Deal
What’s the offer:
5 of their best-selling products, retailing for $475 separately, for a steal of $137!
What are the products:
- Subscribers Magnet,
- Ninja Affiliate,
- The $365K Blog Traffic Formula,
- WordPress Wizard,
- Daily Traffic Blueprint
What I love about them:
I personally own and use the first 3 out of 5 products.
1. The first one, Subscribers Magnet, increased my opt-in rate by about 3 times. (see Step 3. Build a List of Laser-Targeted Prospects in 4 Steps To Making Money Online above).
If you asked any A-list blogger out there what was the quickest way to make money blogging, they would all say “Build a list and market products to them.”
2. But don’t take my word for it: in The $365K Blog Traffic Formula you’ll find extensive interviews with bloggers like Darren Rowse, Chris Garret, Daniel Scocco, and 4 others.
Among other questions, they are asked things like I am asked by my readers all the time:
“If you have to bring instant visitors to your blog in the next 30 minutes, what steps will you follow?”
“Most bloggers like to get passive traffic… What are the one time actions we can do which will keep on bringing traffic without any effort after that?”
“What’s your most effective traffic generating strategy which works every time for you and gives the best return in terms of traffic regarding to your time spent?”
“What are your top 3 traffic sources and how exactly do you attract traffic from each of those sources?”
The key to making money blogging is finding success and duplicating it.
With The $365K Blog Traffic Formula you can do just that.
3. Ninja Affiliate - The concept about this plugin is simple and brilliant: save more time and make more money from your blog.
This plugin lets you convert your keywords into money-making affiliate links easily and in seconds.
No more digging through your affiliate links, copying, pasting - it’s all right there in your dashboard.
For me it was the icing on the cake for Step 4. Market Solutions to Your List in 4 Steps To Making Money Online above; just better, since with this plugin I get to market solutions to an even broader audience - my entire blog readership, not just my list.
What’s the rush:
All good things come to an end, especially anything with the word “Christmas” in it.
MaxBlogPress Christmas deal is set to expire on December 14.
If you think you still have plenty of time and will get to it later, don’t. Your “Later” already came; so go check out and purchase this offer now.
You’ll save $338 and build a better business - I’d hate for you to miss out on that.
And just in case you missed my subtle affiliate links above, here it is one more time:
==> https://trafficgenerationcafe.online/mbpchristmas
I want to see what tools you use to make your life simpler and to make more money. Tell me in comments and yes, affiliate links are OK. 
PS For more no-nonsense traffic generation and conversion tips from Ana, fill out this short spam-free form:
I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
Plugins won’t help you but it does help help with SEO (like taking care of trailing slashes, fixing permalinks etc.).
Essentially, I agree with your, Susan - there is nothing plugins can do for you that you can’t do yourself, IF you know what you are doing.
However, most of us still need a little help and I am all for using plugins that save me time or money.
Ana
Hey Ana,
Excellent blueprint you are sharing here. And this HOT deal offers a great start for anyone who is serious about making money blogging.
I also love the maxblogpress products, they have taken my blog to a whole new level, especially the subscribers magnet. This deal is a steal, it would be insane to miss it.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing Online´s last blog ..Attraction Marketing Online In The Top 50 MLM Blogs For 2010!
Oh I’m lovin’ the link to the “best internet marketing tools” with the line, DO IT LATER…yea right, good one. LOL
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Decembers Agenda – Will You be Involved
Thanks Dennis, I’m so glad you love it.
Nice to see you around
Have a good day,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..Make Money Blogging- a Dollar Saved Is a Dollar Made
Hi Ana,
Some great tips and information you are giving. I am just starting to use the Ninja plugin. Andrew keeps me up on important plugins, etc. Yes, that would be the Andrew above. Europe does have beautiful country side. Spending time over there and with Andrew is the best vacation I have ever had. Loved it.
As for Colorado glad to have you, but if you are looking for the snow, you will need to stay in the mountains, because here in the Denver area snow is not happening. We are as dry as you can get. You will love the snow in the mountain though, because they have plenty.
Thanks again for the information and I have found outsourcing my technical stuff with Andrew has saved me many times over.
Have a very Merry Chirstmas and I to love the hat.
Debbie
Such a pleasure to see you on my blog, Debbie!
I am with you: I love European country side… There’s just something so special about the hills, the villages, the roofs, the bakeries, the smells…
I know, most people who live in Europe are saying “really?” right about now; to them it’s just a part of their day to day life.
I surely hope it’ll snow in Colorado Springs area by Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well, Debbie, and hope to see you back on my blog soon.
Ana
Hey Ana,
It’s very clear that you invest a lot in yourself when it comes to your online business, which is exactly how it should be. And it’s little wonder you’re able to give so much to the online community on how to increase their business online.
Your 4 steps is just the simplest blue print out there, and if people get it, they can save a lot of frustration. It really can be that simple - no need to complicate things.
Take care,
Wayne
Wayne Wu´s last blog ..Think & Grow Rich Chapter 14 – The Sixth Sense
I love MPB deals, but the thing is I already broke in this Christmas, so I was really sad to see this deal is passing by (and another deal that I love is Only72.com).
I agree the most important point in making money online is to educate yourself. You can either buy courses or books online, and they are going to take you a while. Or you can hire coaching to coach you online. I believe the second method is better but it’s really expensive
The last cheapest thing people must to do is: read trafficgenerationcafe.com for awesome tips to make money online 
Mike @ eBlogCamp´s last blog ..Do You Have Guts To Make Change To Your Blog Or Your Business
Hi Mike,
Wow, thanks for compliment. You made me smile with your comment. That is right, if you really in a tight budget and can’t afford to buy online courses or hire a coach, there are lots of free info available online that you can turn to.
Regards,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..Make Money Blogging- a Dollar Saved Is a Dollar Made
Hey Ana,
Nice transition into the offer, and plenty of awesome value shared as always…
Subscriber Magnet’s been helpful on my blog, I haven’t used the others in this package. Another tool that I have to give massive thanks too for helping my business is Market Samurai, which I know you’re a fan of too.
Nice Santa hat btw! All the best,
Jym
Jym´s last blog ..How To Generate Internet Marketing Leads For Any MLM Home Business
Hi Jym,
I’m glad we’re on the same page about Subscriber’s Magnet and even Market Samurai. The others are also great and you can always try them if you want.
Have a great day,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..Make Money Blogging- a Dollar Saved Is a Dollar Made
your email was what got me here Ana, glad i came and read your post.:) See you are already in the holiday mood
Tristan Richards@quality mlm leads´s last blog ..4 Critical Factors When Doing Keyword Marketing Research
Hi Tristan,
Nice to have you. I’m glad you read my emails and find your way in my blog.
Hope to see more of you,
Ana
Ana Hoffman´s last blog ..Make Money Blogging- a Dollar Saved Is a Dollar Made
Hi Ana,
I’m so glad google alert me of your blog, I love reading other blogs as well not just for my love of reading but for the things I learned upon reading…Your blog is a fantastic one and I’m sure be returning to read more of your post…
Reinier@millions´s last blog ..Usability of your website
Hi Reinier,
Thanks for coming into my blog. You are always welcome to come anytime and learn more from my posts.
Glad you found your way here,
Ana
I use MBP Ninja Affiliate and it works like magic. My affiliate link management is very easy now.
Dana @ Cell Phone Reviews´s last blog ..Knowing The Cell Phone Camera Terms
I second that, Dana. I am only a recent user of it, but already love how much easier it made my life.
Ana
Hi Ana,
Step by step is what peoples should do, this is how I do it. If you have decent traffic to your blog, you can add Adsense and make money with.
I recommand MaxBlog Press to your reader!
Thanks,
Dave B
Thanks for the comment Dave. I appreciate the additional info.
Have a nice day,
Ana
Hi Ana
The Maxblogpress stuff you mention is really good stuff and anybody not using some of their tools should consider doing so and would do well to take up your offer because it represets a big saving
You ask what else do we use on a regular basis, I find Seopressor is really good as a tool to get blog posts ranking highly and it teaches you as you use it
Outside of that I think the thing we all need is the availability of good Outsource partners, in fact I am beginning to think it’s a case of together we are stronger in terms of knowledge here
We have all found and recommended some great people the trouble is with each new turn comes a leap into the unknown with somebody new, sometimes great and sometimes plain awful with all the frustrations that throws up
As always thanks for sharing, I always learn something every time I visit Tony
Tony Clingan´s last blog ..“Micro Outsourcing Arbitrage Opportunity Or Step To Far”
Hi, Tony:
Thanks for SEOPressor recommendation.
I use Thesis theme, so all my SEO needs are taken care of by it, but it’s good to know about this plugin, since my readers ask me about them all the time.
Outsourcing is great… I definitely need to spend more time building a good team.
Have a great night!
Ana
Ana,
Just wanted to add that I love my MaxblogPress tools. And this is such a great deal!.
Ninja Affiliate is my favorite. I bought it a while back and did not install it…big mistake! Now I run all my affiliate stuff through Ninja affiliate.
I also love Subscribers Magnet. So easy to set up and use. Besides the easy instructions the support is super.
Sheila Atwood@newbielifeline.com´s last blog ..Outsourcing Simplicity
I just recently started using Ninja affiliate - incredible tool indeed. No more wondering if I remembered to add the right link…
Ana,
I just have to say that I am a big MaxblogPress fan. And this is a super deal!
Ninja Affiliate is my favorite MaxblogPress tool. I bought it a while back and did not get it up on my site…..big mistake!
Subscribers Magnet is super. So easy and lots of choices.
Sheila Atwood@newbielifeline.com´s last blog ..Outsourcing Simplicity
Thanks for your support, Sheila!
It is an amazing deal, isn’t it; I can’t believe not everybody is jumping on it.
Have a great night,
Ana
Hi Ana,
I always thought the secret to success in any business was to buy low and sell high. Oh well, as you say, it’s usually not quite that simple. You definitely have to spend money to make money. One thing I’ve found in ventures in the past is that it’s necessary to keep pretty good track of your income and expenses. Otherwise, you can’t tell if you are making money or losing money. Besides, it makes it easier for you to give Uncle Sam his fair share. Maybe a lot of people don’t want to pay taxes, but as the Lord said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
Lou
Or “unto George Washington’s what is George Washington’s”?
You are so right about keeping track of expenses, Lou - good for your bottom line and yes, makes your accountant happy!
Another consideration here is the fact that many people don’t count their time as expense.
If it takes you 10 hours to implement a strategy that will bring back $30, yes, you made $30, but essentially you just made $3 an hour.
Time is money - we need to remember that.
Ana
PS Got your Christmas card - SO SWEET!!!
PPS Lou, go to http://en.gravatar.com/ and get yourself an avatar so I don’t have to look at a caleidoscope image in your comments any longer!
You really can’t shotgun approach making money with blogging but have to gear your blog to which method of income you want to derive. Passive income like contextual ads will compete and conflict with affiliate sales, you can only drive a reader to so many ads or products before one suffers competing with the other.
Knowing how you want to generate income and gearing your business model toward that method is key. Note, one blog can be used for 1 income generation method while other sites can be used for different once, and you can switch back and forth if you can’t bring one site to where you want it to be.
Bottom line, blogging is one of those things were it is a minimal start up cost compared to other businesses, and if you put in the time, effort and have the patience you can see a decent ROI.
Justin Germino´s last blog ..Sync your Amplify Blog with Google Analytics
Very good points about conflicting monetization methods, Justin.
There are so many blogs out there with good content, but because of all kinds and sorts of ads swarming around that good content, it is so hard to dig up. I usually leave blogs like that.
Blogging is definitely a long-term monetization vehicle, but the one worth riding as far as I am concerned.
Thanks for coming by; always a pleasure to hear your intelligent opinion!
Ana
Hi Ana,
I like your Christmaseey avatar
Stand out from the crowd! In a world of lemmings this is a toughie but if you can resist the urge to follow you will prosper.
The formula for making money blogging is simple. The implementation of the strategy becomes difficult because it requires effort. The time you spend on acquiring knowledge is obvious as you run a top-shelf blog. Most would rather not make the effort to acquire knowledge. They want to receive money; they don’t want to make it though
Thanks for sharing your insight Ana. Have a powerful day!
RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last blog ..3 Reasons Why You&8217re a Work at Home Sucker
It’s amazing how many people buy into “making money online is so simple, you’ll park a brand new Mercedes in your driveway within a month or two” mentality, Ryan!
I bet they wouldn’t think that about a brick and mortar business!
Business and business, no matter where you build it and outdoing your competition has always been the key to success.
Yeah, my new avatar… it’s a bit serious, but makes me smile looking at it every time!
Ana
Market solutions to your list is powerful, I started about a year ago that instead of “selling” to my list, I listened to what they needed and provided solutions, my traffic has gone up as well as my list, good stuff
Ray Higdon´s last blog ..The 1 REAL Reason People Fail at Their Network Marketing Business Opportunity
With all the abuse that’s going on in email marketing, we might have to come up with even more ways to stand out of the crowd and make it worthwhile for our subscribers to open our emails…
You are becoming quite a regular on my blog, Ray - love seeing you around and greatly appreciate your comments!
Ana
Love the holiday pic! I am glad I found your blog, always looking to get better =)
Ray Higdon´s last blog ..The 1 REAL Reason People Fail at Their Network Marketing Business Opportunity
Ana,
Affiliate links are fine…as long as you are promoting tools / products / services you have used and benefited from.
Andrew
Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Blog Expert Series- What Sex Feels Like For A Blog
No question about it, Andrew - building trust is the most important aspect of making money online and recommending junk just because you want to make some extra cash won’t get you there.
How’s the weather in your part of the world?
I bet it’s dreamy with all the Christmas lights out…
I love Europe in winter!
Ana
Ana,
The weather is cold and snowy! Hope it lasts until way past Christmas.
Andrew
Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Blog Expert Series- The Mindset Of A Successful Blogger
I am in Arizona, so we have clear skies and temperatures in the 70′s.
I love it, but it’s nice to have white Christmas.
Going to Colorado this year to get some of the winter wonderland feel.
Ana
I just had a client, who lives in Colorado, visit and stay with me!
She and her husband loved the English countryside.
My wife and I hope to visit them sometime soon.
Andrew
Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Does Your Blog Cry