Chasing Page Views and Ad Clicks: Is it Worth It?

As an online writer you may have already discovered that the thrill of chasing page views and ad clicks dies long before you are in a position to retire. You may experience disappointment with your success and wonder if its even worth continuing. Believe me when I say we have all been there.

That first moment when you realize that "following all the rules" for online writing simply gets you in the door--but doesn't guarantee success--is the worst. It is then that we must face the uncomfortable truth that we have "sold out" to make the almighty dollar without even realizing it.

In our zeal to bring in readers, to build residual income or to be recognized by our peers, we often forget the reason we began writing in the first place. For some, it is easy. For them writing isn't about sharing a message or baring the soul--its about earning a living with a skill that comes easy for them. For those unfortunate souls, writing is merely the means to the end. Writing is a way to earn money online.

Finding Balance

But, for those of us who seek something more, the road is not as smooth. But there are ways to reap the rewards of both worlds and keep your writer's soul intact. I like to think of it two different kinds of writing. One is for money. I do that writing for specific clients. I set my hours, I put in my time and I consider it work. Writing for money pays my bills.

I always reserve time for writing for fun. That writing belongs to me. It has my voice. Its in my style and it expresses who I really am as writer. Sometimes, it is keyword-rich and aimed to a specific audience or written on a highly searched topic. Sometimes, it is obscure aimed at a small audience who I'd like to share with. Sometimes, it is a personal rambling that satisfies no one but me. But it is always mine, untouched by the obsessive chase for page views and ad clicks.

If you find yourself in the uncomfortable position where you question whether the chase for page views and ad clicks is worth your efforts, it doesn't mean its time to call it quits. It simply means its time to set some boundries on how much you give to the craft of making money online with your writing and how much you reserve for only you. 

• Start a blog about something you really care about. It doesn't matter if it is lame or unpopular. Its your blog and it isn't meant to earn money, although it can if you choose to monetize it. I must caution you though, that as soon as the ads go up, your thoughts will shift and you will suddenly find yourself chasing page views and ad clicks. If you want to avoid that pressure. Don't monetize it. Create other blogs for money--but keep one blog for you that doesn't require censoring or isn't tainted by the almighty dollar. My blog In Due Time has never been monetized, it isn't about making money and it provides me with a place to write without concerns about page views and ad clicks.
• Take risks. If you publish on sites that allow you to choose your own topics, learn to take risks. Write some articles just for fun or to share your views with the world. Don't worry that it might not bring in thousands of readers or earn hundreds in revenue share. Write them because they are fun. Write in your voice and your style. You may be surprised by the responses you get. My blog In the Direction of Dreams is a collection of inspirational quotes followed by a brief reflection and expression of gratitude. It's not searchable. It isn't SEO'd--but it is personal. I am constantly amazed by the readers it draws in and the reactions it gets.
• Have fun. Writing can be hard work, but it can also be fun. Get in the habit of having fun with what your write on a daily basis.

Online Writers Adapt to the Changing Face of Online Writing

The face of online writing has changed. There is no denying it. Your success depends on your ability to adapt to new rules and a new playing field, but that doesn't mean you are doomed. Your readers have not gone away and are still eager to read what you have to say, but they may be having a bit of difficulty finding you.

As a writer, you have already developed the skills to meet the challenges of an online audience. You know that to succeed as an online writer, you must provide what the reader needs and wants. Maybe you didn't count on Google changing the rules and sending all your hard work down the drain in the blink of an eye.

Maybe you didn't anticipate the need to learn a new skill set to get your voice out there. Maybe you thought you finally had it all under control and the road to success was paved with page views and residual income for years to come.

The recent algorithm change may be discouraging or encouraging depending on where you write and the impact this has had on your work. If you find yourself discouraged, you are not alone--but writers don't stop writing because the publishing field changes. When things get tough, writers get tougher.

You didn't get where you are today by being fearful. You got here with hard work and dedication to your craft. Use those skills and that determination to rise above this seeming obstacle to find success in the face of a changing online world.

Now is the time to consider "What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?"(Robert Schuller). Consider that for a moment and it will lead you in the direction you need to go.

Are there writing projects you've been wanting to start that could lead you in a new direction now? Are there private clients you can contact? Is there a website waiting to be built? Is it time to establish yourself as an expert in a particular field?

Think outside the box, today, and brainstorm ways to find success as a writer that depends less of specific online platforms and more on your specific skill set. Who knows, Google may have done online writers a favor as it forces us to push forward into unknown areas that may prove to be the secret to lasting success.

How to Make Money Writing Online

Nearly every beginning writer asks the question “How can I make money writing online?” and promptly grabs the first opportunity that comes along. Somehow, earning a small fee and seeing your writing in “print” makes it worth the effort. Many online writers continue to write for sites that pay them a minimal fee in hopes of suddenly producing that one article that will send them over the top. The thought that they too could make it big, clouds their vision keeping them in the same position for years.

Blogs and Teaser Sites

Some online writers make the mistake of creating blogs and teaser sites to redirect readers to their main body of work on a writing site, instead of concentrating their efforts on making money from their blog. Although this seems logical, writers are missing the real power of their own words. Putting your writing skills to work for you by creating your own blog with Google Adsense will earn more money over time than the small amount many writing sites pay their writers—but it will likely take more time.

Combining Writing Sites With Blogging

For that reason, successful online writers combine both, by writing for writing sites such as Yahoo! Contributor’s Network, Helium, List my Five and others while they develop a blog to feature their best writing. If you are in a position where you need to make money now from your writing, then by all means begin by signing up for a writing site and devote your time to building a solid base of articles to make money from your writing.

Choosing a Writing Site

The particular writing site you use depends on the type of writing you do and your personal preferences. Each offers benefits that the other may not. You can find information on specific writing sites in this list by freelance writer Linda Batey Top Five Writing Websites for Freelance Writers. You may also be interested in  Reasons to Write  for Associated Content and Benefits to Writing for Demand Media Studios.

Starting Your Blog

If you have the luxury of delaying earning money from your writing, starting a blog may be your best alternative. This allows you to take your time to develop your personal style as writer and to create an abundance of quality posts that provide what the readers in your niche really want and need.  I won’t bore you with my ramblings about selecting a writing niche. If you need further information --or just want a quick refresher course--on identifying a writing niche you can find that info in the post on How to Find Your Writing Niche

Monetizing Your Blog

Once you have identified your writing niche, have a supply of information for your posts and have gained a few readers, it is time to get serious about making money from your writing. Using Google’s Adsense program is quick and easy to install on many blogs, but you should always check with the blog site before you choose a host for your blog. Some free blog sites, such as Wordpress, do not allow you to monetize your blog.  Simply sign up for Google Adsense and follow Google’s simple instructions for adding it to your blog. Simply put, ads are generated to match the content of your blog and blog posts. The better you get at targeting specific ads, the more money you will make. For more information on how you can use keywords to draw in ads that will earn you money from your writing you can find that information in Lesson Two: Finding Keywords.

Going the Extra Step Allows You to Earn More from Writing Online

Writing for writing sites to make money from your writing is certainly an option. Many online writers earn a good living doing just that. But, if you are serious about earning money from your writing, go a step further and use your writing skills to create a blog that provides a service to your readers.