The YBC Business of Blogging series is an 5 part series (maybe longer, we'll see) on the blog that I've put together because we get so many questions from people asking how to get started, how to get readers, how to make money, and any tips and tricks we've learned on our blogging journey. Since I recently started offering Business of Blogging workshops at some of my retreats, I thought this little taster series would fit right. This series will be a quick overview of what's discussed in depth in the workshops. As an aside, I've opened up a few weekends in June where I will be offering one to one Business of Blogging workshops online. Sign up now!
A little about my blogging background
Throughout my twenties, I was really into reading blogs. Most of them were fashion blogs (which is laughable, because I am the least fashionable person alive), but I was fascinated by the seemingly easy way they presented an outfit with a couple pictures, linked to them, wrote some copy and were making a living. What?! I wanted that job! I mean, who wouldn't want that job?
So I started a blog. One after another, actually, because nothing really stuck. I was in grad school for teaching and was thinking about a teaching blog, but I abandoned it because the passion just sort of fizzled out. Later on, I partnered with a friend and we had a blog together for a couple years when we were both engaged and planning our weddings at the same time. The problem with that blog was that after we were both married, we kind of lost interest. After I got married, I started another one. I mostly blogged about home decor (which is such a joke because I don't know the first thing about decor), and recipes. The problem with that one was that I didn't have much direction and I wasn't very good at either of those things. I wanted to write and make a living off of it, but I just didn't know what I wanted to write about, so I got burned out quickly. These are classic examples of why a blog doesn't work: no direction, and in it for the wrong reasons.
Then, I found myself in the middle of yoga teacher training, and things were being explained to me but I kept thinking, "Man, I can think of so many ways to explain this more clearly." More specifically, I kept wishing I could find a great visual for various yoga poses, and that was the inspiration behind the cut out poses you see featured here on the blog.
I kept having all these ideas throughout my training for things I could expand on and teachings that might be helpful to other teachers and to people interested in practicing yoga but who might be too intimidated to go to a studio or whatever. I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if there was a resource where people could go and ask a yoga teacher any of their questions?" Because yes, there are some great magazine blogs out there like Yoga Journal, but I didn't know of any yoga blogs written by an instructor who just wanted to share her thoughts, ideas and teachings. I wanted to make connections, and create a space for the modern yogi to stop by, feel welcomed, and have a safe place to ask questions, offer advice to others, and just chat about healthy living things.
So I came home and started up YogaByCandace. Clearly, I could've taken some more time thinking up a name (that's advice number one, to all you people out there taking notes), but other than that, I have no regrets. The blog has turned into something I live, breathe, and love so much. And since I finally had a direction, and didn't originally do it to make money, it's become a success.
So now that you know my background in blogging, let's take a look at YBC, its numbers, readers, and more.
How many visitors does YBC get?
So, YBC welcomes about 180,000 readers, and about 800,000 page views per month. The majority of the readers are from the US and Canada, closely followed by the UK, Australia and Germany. Is it as big as some of the top blogs out there? No. (Not yet, anyway.)
How much money does YBC make?
This is something I struggled with. A part of me really wants to share exactly how much YBC is making, but can I tell you a secret? I am a little superstitious! The blog is still growing, and I'm scared that if I break down the exact numbers that it'll blow up in my face. I know that sounds absurd, but I'm owning my weirdness! There are blogs out there that do share their monthly income and maybe once I feel like it's a more steady income I'll share it but for now, I'm making a compromise. I'm not going to break everything down, but I will share that YBC is on pace to earn just about six figures this year from all revenue streams.
I haven't actually paid myself anything yet. Everything the business has made has gone back into the business (office space rental, retreat expenses (venues, activities, transfers, flights), staff, web hosting costs, equipment (you wouldn't believe how expensive equipment can add up to be), etc).
Eventually I will start paying myself, because it's currently our only source of income (my husband's job is seasonal), but for now I want to keep investing money back into the business so it can grow.
Top bloggers, however can earn big money. One blogger I know earns roughly $600,000 a year just from her blog. Other bloggers have used their blog to branch out and secure book deals, clothing lines, product deals and more. So the potential is kind of nuts.
My goal
With this series, I want to share things I've learned that have helped me so that I can help others out. Because I really do feel like we all bring something to the table. There's room for everyone on the internet, you know? So I've broken my ideas down into a five part series, although I'd love it if you have specific questions so I can tweak the series to fit your needs.
So here are some things we are going to cover in the series:
- How to start a blog
- How to build a readership
- How to monetize your blog
- How to work with brands
- How to expand beyond your blog (youtube, etc)
Let me know your specific questions and I'll be sure to make a note of them so they're answered! Looking forward to sharing my tips and hope that if you're blogging, you'll share what's worked for you as well!
If you want an in-depth look, sign up for the one-to-one Business of Blogging workshop with me.