Monetizing My Product Review & Giveaway Blog

[BlondeMomBlog]

Hi everyone! I've launched a new review and giveaway blog, www.SavvyHousewife.com.

I've gotten a couple of inquires from companies wanting to place ads. I am a Sitter City affiliate already at my personal mommy blog, so I have placed that ad on SavvyHousewife.

Has anyone had any experience with Google ads, the Cafe Mom affiliate program, or LinkWorth?

I'm leaning toward placing Google ads on the sidebar. I don't have any lofty aspirations of making a ton of money, but I'd love to know if anyone has any experience with any of these.

Thanks!

[DevilishSouthernBelle]

I'm at CafeMom and had no idea they had an affiliate program. I do Google Ads and Amazon, but my blog will probably never drive enough traffic for me to make any money from it. Still, if it ever does become more widely read/recognized, maybe it will pay off to have those ads there. Mine are in the sidebar, too. What is Sitter City? Good luck!

[BlondeMomBlog]

Sitter City pays an excellent commission if people join, but I just don't push it that much. It was $40 at one time! If you go to www.blondemomblog.com (my main blog), you can scroll down and see the banner ad at the bottom. I also have them on www.savvyhousewife.com blog.

I think I may go with Google ads. I used to have text ads (I am drawing a blank...but they weren't Google text ads) on my mommy blog and I would make about $12 a month.

I know...that might buy, what, three gallons of gas? ;)

Shareasale.com has a lot of info about the affiliate programs for websites/blogs. They run the Sittercity.com ads. Sittercity also features info and directories for pet sitters.

[Rhoda]

Have you looked into Blogher ads? I've had that going for about 3 months and it's doing very well for me.

[songbirdtiff]

How do you get on the waiting list?

[Lynnae]

I would think on a review blog, you should go for affiliate ads. Check out Commission Junction. There's a lot of programs that work through them. Also Amazon. Try to find affiliate programs for the stuff you review. That would be the biggest moneymaker.

[BlondeMomBlog]

Thanks ya'll for the insight. I hadn't really thought about BlogHer for the new site, but I knew they were closed at this time to accepting new blogs.

I had some links through Shopzilla and that program expired in March (on my main mommy blog), but they are sending me info on their pay per click program.

I'm also going to start selling sidebar ads on my own...trying to be a little entrepreneurial!

[BlondeMomBlog]

Do it Darla! Seriously I notice more and more bloggers selling their own ads. Plus no commission to share with anyone.

My ad network is Real Girls Media (same as Blissfully Domestic) and it is non-exclusive, so they don't prohibit me at least trying to sell ads on my own. I'd never really thought about it until lately.

[DevilishSouthernBelle]

Can you not do other forms of advertising if you do Google, too?

[DevilishSouthernBelle]

I know...I think I had made a whopping $0.18 the last time I checked. I just figure every penny helps! But if it takes too much space in your sidebar, I'd get rid of it, too.

[Lisa-Blessed with Grace]

Wow, this have been a really good discussion. I am learning from all of you. I have google ads and amazon.com adds. I may look into some of the other suggestions. Thanks, ladies.

[Joie at Canned Laughter]

My issue with GoogleAds is the sleazy ads that might have popped up on my site. True Story: I was visiting a post about strong marriage advice and the GoogleAd on her page was "Meet Sexy Housewives who want to talk to you now!". Just ick.