The Blogging Stats and Earnings Obsession to publish
Over the last six months or so I have noticed an increase in posts all about bloggers stats and earnings and I instantly think why?
Why would you want to publish how much money you have earned from blogging? Yes, I can understand publishing stats to some extent, but even that I have difficulty getting my head around.
I have been self-employed for over twenty years as a painter and decorator and every month I work out my earnings against my expenses to see how much I have earned for the month. Should I publish this on Facebook or Twitter for all to see? No, I wouldn’t! It’s my business how much I have earned.
When you get your payslip at the end of the month, should you take a photo and put it all over social media? Of course nobody would do this! So if you’re earning a full or part time living from blogging, why would I publish this information? Why would people want to read it other than being just plain nosy?
I recently read a post about why publishing your stats and earnings is good so that you can inspire others to achieve greater things with their blog. What utter nonsense! It’s plain and simple showing off. Saying look everybody I only do this part time, but I earned all that. Don’t you think I’m wonderful and brilliant!
In another post I read that there should be more honesty and transparency with bloggers themselves and also with the pr’s. This must have been written as a joke. So say I work for a large corporate business and I have the contacts that secure contracts, of course no problem I will share with my competitors, that’s perfectly normal, not!
The reality is when a PR contacts you, they are also contacting a number of other people at the same time. If you secure the sponsored post, of course the first thing you do is share this with your competitors which is other bloggers. That’s my contact. I have worked hard to build my blog and I’m not about to share my contacts. I’m friends with many bloggers and would never expect any of them to share contacts or tell me how much they get paid for a campaign or tell me the name of contact from a brand. This is confidential and should stay that way.
There is no doubt PR’s pay different money to different blogs. Well ask yourself why? It is very simple, blogs depending on their social media reach will dictate how much you are offered. One blog could maybe get offered £x, but another could easily get three times that amount because its about value for money. It’s quite simply a numbers game. How much social reach is mostly what pr’s are looking for. If you have 10k followers on twitter and somebody else has 2k followers it stands to reason, that the person with 10k followers will get offered more money, and rightly so.
Publishing stats and earnings about your blog can in my opinion and I stress this is only my opinion can be very detrimental to people who are thinking of starting a blog or new bloggers. That it is so easy to earn money and get many free products. It’s not! Blogging is incredibly hard work and publishing these posts is giving completely the wrong impression. It’s not a free ride with loads of perks for nothing. Like anything in life you have to work for it. So if you are starting out on your blogging jouney by all means aspire to make money from your blog like a lot people that publish these sort of posts detailing their earnings. A word of warning though, it takes a long time and a serious amount of effort to monetise your blog.
I am far from the top of the tree when it comes to payments for sponsored work. There are many other bloggers earning a lot more than me, but that’s ok with me. I appreciate they have worked hard to build up their following and develop their blog, and consequently they deserve the bigger budgets.
I will finally say it’s up to the individual to publish such posts, and I am not saying don’t do it, but in life I believe some things should remain private. Earnings being one of them.
Would you publish your earnings from your blog for all the world to see love to know your thoughts!
51 Comments
Anna (Toys Preschool)
March 10, 2017 at 12:45 am
This is an interesting one as I (being a very newbie blogger who has been attempting to start my blog for several years, but only just beginning to have time to commit to it now) have read a number of these sorts of posts in the past and had conflicting feelings. I kind of agree with you in that the majority of them have a bit of a gloating tinge to them and also make it appear that in under a year you can easily earn money from blogging. But at the same time I have read several of these posts so therefore, does that state there is a demand for them? I’m not sure. I think a more ‘advice for new bloggers’ style post would be more useful really, rather than just stating what they charge for different services and how amazing they must therefore be.
Dad
March 10, 2017 at 12:50 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking this. I clicked on one a while back and couldn’t for the life of me figure out it’s purpose. I came to the conclusion it was just about bragging.
Heather Keet
March 10, 2017 at 5:05 am
I wouldn’t publish my earnings because I also think some things should be private. I think many of these bloggers who do publish their earnings are posting in an attempt to get more traffic from people looking to earn money for blogging. I started my blog as a hobby, to spread some humor, build a brand, and develop a reader base for the books I plan to publish. I want my blog to remain the one fun place, without pressure to post about things that drive traffic or dollars. #ThatFridayLinky
Sarah Howe
March 10, 2017 at 6:12 am
It’s interesting reading these posts as I’m a nosey person lol!! However, I don’t feel as strongly as you BUT it isn’t something I would do at all!! I chat to other bloggers about fees but I wouldn’t write about it. It’s too much and I like to keep it quiet. Xx interesting opinions though!! thanks for hosting xx
Simon (Man vs. Pink)
March 10, 2017 at 6:21 am
I agree that publishing stats, etc. is probably showing off – but I actually do often share what fee I’ve secured with other bloggers, and they do the same with me. It helps us determine our market worth, and is a way of supporting each other instead of treating each other like competition.
Fran Back With a Bump
March 10, 2017 at 6:57 am
Thisbis really interesting and I’ve read a couple of posts like that. I think in one sense its interesting but then a bit “look at me” too. I was brought up that it was vulgar to discuss money and I wouldnt discuss my salary so wouldn’t publish what I make or don’t make to be more precise on my blog!! Thanks for hosting #thatfridaylinky x
David – Potty Adventures
March 10, 2017 at 7:07 am
I couldn’t agree more mate. When I saw the first one, still being relatively new (it’s our first blog birthday today 🎉), I thought to myself is this normal? I’m glad you’ve reassured me it’s not. I too see it as a vanity project. Yes, bloggers can help each other out – I for instance many months ago approached you privately when I’d been asked for my ‘usual rate’ for the first time. But that was all done via private messaging where both parties were happy to discuss it…privately. I have to say, it’s probably a great way to boost stats and interest because if everyone is like me then they’ll have a good old nosey haha but yes, for me personally it’s step too far.
Laura Beresford
March 10, 2017 at 7:27 am
I think money is a private issue, most don’t even discuss with their partner! I would like to work with brands but am nervous about ‘putting myself out there’ plus I probably don’t have the stats I need because I am running around after 3 kids and 3 jobs rather than blogging as a career (maybe this is where I’m going wrong?!) Mamny bloggers are helpful and supportive which is brilliant. Blogging should be for the love of writing not money. #ThatFridayLinky
Cathryn – Little Paper Swans
March 10, 2017 at 7:44 am
I disagree. I recently published a post on how I increased my monthly page views. I’m not showing off in the slightest. When I started blogging I would loved a post like that telling me ways I can increase traffic because as much as we bloggers say we’re doing it for the love of blogging, which we are. It’s still important to us that people are reading what we’re writing because if we were truly not bothered about people reading it we wouldn’t publish online and share posts across social media. I hope bloggers continue to share posts like these as I love to read them.
Virtual Wombat
March 10, 2017 at 7:45 am
I completely agree Nigel. Virtual Wombat only launched in January but I’ve put a hell of a lot of work into it since. I made the move based on my love of writing, making people laugh and photography.
I’m pleased to say that it’s doing extremely well, much better than I ever could have hoped really. But I still wouldn’t post any stats or whatever all over the internet simply because to me, it doesn’t matter. I’m enjoying myself and it’s as simple as that.
In the same way, I’d never advertise my salary from my engineering day job everywhere, it’s not anyone else’s business.
Emma Jones
March 10, 2017 at 7:52 am
I don’t think it should be published, it just makes me feel a bit..cringe? As long as I enjoy what I do then that’s the main thing. Every thing else is a Brucey bonus!
suz
March 10, 2017 at 8:34 am
I agree. How much money, or your contact list should definitely remain your own. I don’t understand why anyone would want to share that with the world. However, sharing tips and trick for other bloggers is a different thing. And if you are pitching a company, then it’s only right that you include your social/blog stats because that influences whether they will go with you or someone else.
#thatfridaylinky
Gary @dadof2athome
March 10, 2017 at 9:17 am
Fully agree. As I’ve said to you before Nige, advice and guidance from an experienced blogger such as yourself is invaluable when you’re starting out but I wouldn’t expect to hear what you make or your best contacts. #thatfridaylinky
Rach
March 10, 2017 at 9:29 am
As you know, I blog for me, not for money. I don’t do reviews etc, it’s just not my thing. I read a lot of blogs about bloggers earnings and while I sit there in amazement and mild envy, I am surprised they publish this information. Perhaps this is just because I find discussions around people’s earnings private. I do wonder if some do it so they can inspire others. Or maybe they do it to show off. Cynical. Me? Never.
Good post as always Nige.
Kim Brockington
March 10, 2017 at 10:31 am
I totally agree with you !!!
five little doves
March 10, 2017 at 11:03 am
I love this Nige, I too have noticed an influx of these kind of posts and I wonder why someone would feel the need to share that information. I am part of a group with just a handful of trusted blogging friends, where occasionally we do discuss money but more in the terms of, “I’ve been asked for my fee for x, y or z, what do you think I should go back with?”. I find that kind of talk really helpful but general talk of how much you have earn is something I have been brought up to believe should stay private. #thatfridaypost
Amy Downes
March 10, 2017 at 11:04 am
I’m just starting out with my blog and I have to say I wish I saw more posts about stats – I’d love to know where to set the bar.
The same is true for how much people are paid, I’m just starting out as a freelance writer and I really wish I knew what other people were paid so I know how to answer the question ‘what are your rates’. I assume it would be beneficial in a similar way if I were ever lucky enough to be approached by a brand for a sponsored post -I’d want to know what a fair rate is.
That said, like you say, asking someone to post a picture of their wage slip isn’t right. If people don’t want to share they absolutely shouldn’t have to.
As always,an interesting read and I love hearing your passion come across!
#thatfridaylinky
Anne
March 10, 2017 at 11:46 am
I have looked at some and wondered why they would want people to know. Maybe it is bragging, maybe it is to inspire, but when I read them I feel a little uncomfortable and I’m with you on this one. I’m not an earning blogger, I do occasionally get a fee for a post and I love to do reviews but I wouldn’t want to share what I’ve done.
#thatfridaylinky
Askyerfather
March 10, 2017 at 11:51 am
Why do they do it? I’m pretty sure it’s click bairt, pure and simple.
You’ve also got to ask yourself how real those stats are. Do they really earn those monies or was it just that one time that allowed them to post that they earn xyz.
I see many of these vlogs and blog posts as click bait or ‘the Brit method, I can make you rich if you just click here’. They may have a million followers but they may spend 24/7 on it and never do anything else to justify the occasional free baby schmoof cupmeister powerball. Is that really a useful use of time from an input to output ratio? You can’t tell that from stats.
You have a million followers and so you got approaches from companies. I’d bet almost a million of those people clicked on them and followed one time because of their ‘i can make you rich from blogging’ posts but have never read anything since.
I’d rather blog when I have the time and have 100 people that actually do read my posts than have 1000000 followers that are just statistics.
Hannah Meadows
March 10, 2017 at 1:52 pm
I wouldn’t race to put my earnings online myself, but I do find it interesting to read other people’s. It’s also helpful to gauge how much to charge when you’re approached about ads, sponsored posts, reviews, etc. #thatfridaylinky
Tubbs
March 10, 2017 at 1:53 pm
The problem with doing income figures on their own is the lack of context. It doesn’t show the amount of work you’ve put in to build that blog audience or get those campaigns. It doesn’t show the amount of work you applied for in relation to what you got or the changes month on month. Or the work you put into creating the content.
It gives people the impression that you just set up a blog and the freebies and money start appearing as if by magic. And it does seem a bit like showing off. People tend to only post when they’ve had a good month and keep quiet when they’ve had a crap one. A graph showing the ups and downs might be more realistic. And you wouldn’t have to share any actual figures.
The PR relationships thing may not be about revealing what you’ve been paid, but another aspect of the disclosure / transparency debate that’s been rumbling along for ages. Readers want to know when they’re being sold too and if a post is sponsored / collaborative. Some bloggers are really good whilst others are terrible. A few of them also seem to be recommending mediocre products to maintain their good relationships with a brand / PR at the expense of their readers. (It’s a really hot topic in beauty blogs right now. Which I read far too many of!)
It’s up to each blogger where they draw that particular line. But, IMO, trust between you and your readers is really important. Once you’ve lost that, it’s really hard to get back. I’d sooner over disclose or turn stuff down. Particularly as when I read a blog and feel they’re being less than honest, I’m really disappointed and don’t read them again.
Really good post. Thank you. Love the new site too 🙂
Brittney
March 10, 2017 at 2:07 pm
I think telling blog income is only beneficial for bloggers selling their blogging services, e-books, courses, etc. . It works to out for them because people spend money convinced they will earn that too. It seems that there are so many bloggers selling blogging stuff. More realistic reports come from people selling other services or just writing. Great post!
Intrepid bebe
March 10, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Yeah it’s a funny one-discussing money, such a personal thing. And very culture specific. I think the British are more hung up on it than some other Countries. #thatfridaylinky
Chloe
March 10, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Hi, what a great read. I to have noticed an increase in these types of posts and wondered why. Perhaps it’s the done thing now. Personally I’m not interested, but maybe that’s just me, Chloe.
Peachy and her Mommy
March 10, 2017 at 4:14 pm
In a perfect world companies would pay what is fair against what a person or blog can offer them in return. The reality is that every company wants to pay as little as possible. Being overly secretive about how much payment an invidual has received opens the door to companies taking advantage of people. I’m not referring to strivtly blogging either. Many companies try to discourage their employees from sharing their salaries. Why do you suppose that is? A company that is compensating their employees fairly would have no problem with employees sharing this information. As far as blogging goes I think bloggers are sharing this information to prevent companies from forcing us to compete against each other to the point that we would work for next to nothing. #ThatFridayLinky
alex
March 10, 2017 at 4:27 pm
People write posts about earning money from blogging and how much they earn from blogging (and RT it hundreds of times over a period of months in one particular example) for three reasons.
Firstly to earn more money directly by having adverts, affiliate links and so on in the post when people click through to see how they did it and secondly to earn money indirectly by the boost in pageviews from people coming to their site.
Thirdly, as you say, it’s the “look at me, look at me, I’m here!” brag and lets face it, if people are insecure enough to have to do that, poor them.
Martin Lee
March 10, 2017 at 6:05 pm
I personally do not see the point! What does it achieve? #Thatfridaylinky
Sinead (shinnersandthebrood.com)
March 10, 2017 at 6:40 pm
I find all of this fascinating – I’ve only been blogging for six months and have yet to get a paid gig! But yes, totally agree that you work hard to build a rapport with a PR and so should everyone else! #ThatFridayLinky
Joshwa Saint James
March 10, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Amen! It’s blatant showing off and, in my opinion, quite vulgar!
Helen Gandy
March 10, 2017 at 8:47 pm
I do find it intriguing to read what bloggers have earned but I am totally with you on the bragging rights. Thanks for hosting #ThatFridayLinky
Jo – Pickle & Poppet
March 10, 2017 at 8:55 pm
I do write an end of month post, about what we’ve been up to as a family and progress on my blog. This really is done for me as a diary entry of sorts, track what progress I am making and to appreciate posts that I have enjoyed in the month.
I am only a newbie blogger and I have only started to do this as a hobby. I love writing and this is a way to for me to have a space of my own for my thoughts and if I can help someone on the way then great. If it starts to make money then great, if not then that’s fine too.
If it does start to make money will I share those figures? No way! I’ve been taught very early on that you do not discuss money with anyone. It is something for you to know and you only. When I read the posts that talk their money figures I ignore them, I don’t care what other people are earning from their blog it is their business. #thatfridaylinky
Beth
March 10, 2017 at 9:16 pm
I’m glad you wrote about this as it shows I’m not the only one who has this opinion! I also have seen many posts showing earnings etc lately and I think it is plain weird! And like you say, just seems to be showing off. Like someone who is rich flashing their bank balance. A fab, and honest post as always. Thank you for hosting, #ThatFridayLinky
Zoe
March 10, 2017 at 9:30 pm
I think bloggers that publish their stats are either shocked by their own achievements, or showing off, and trying to monetise their blog further. “Look how much money I made, buy my course you can earn the same money”
The truth is blogging for profit is a full time job, and money doesn’t fall in to your lap.
Also, what happened to blogging for the pleasure of writing? #thatfridaylinky
David Shaul – DadvWorld
March 10, 2017 at 9:41 pm
I paid Nigel £20 to write this, it’s controversial and I knew it would get loads of views, exactly how many will be in the follow up blog post… 🙂 Just kidding…
I personally wouldn’t post anything to do with my personal earnings but do like to read when others do! I don’t know why, I guess I just like to gain a better knowledge of what part of the ball park I’m in.
As always, great post and I agree with you mate, some things should be kept private.
John Adams
March 11, 2017 at 7:52 am
I fricking love this post! I think there is value in bloggers behind closed doors discussing these things to gauge market value. Discussing publicly, though, is detrimental and – frankly – poor business practice. Everyone has different reasons for blogging. If, however, you are making money then you have to behave like you are running a business. I do sometimes think bloggers get so caught up in the creative aspects of what they do that they forget this.
kristin mccarthy
March 11, 2017 at 3:18 pm
I can not tell you the number of times I have thought the exact same thought!
#thatfridaylinky
Sharon Parry
March 11, 2017 at 4:14 pm
It wouldn’t be an issue for me because there are no earnings. It would be nice to think that I could make money from blogging one day but I realise that this only happens to small percentage. I think I will have to seek my fortune elsewhere! #thatfridaylinky
David
March 11, 2017 at 4:40 pm
I find it interesting (sometimes) to read and think it’s great that some bloggers are open about how successful they are. However, at the same time, I do agree that it can be kind of “throwing it in your face” “look at me” and I don’t feel there is a need for that. Having said that, I did recently write a similar post, but this was mostly to see what sort of traction it would get (given my tiny numbers in comparison). I may do another one, but I don’t think it would be a regular thing, and it certainly wouldn’t state how much money I made #ThatFridayLinky
Jade – Raw Childhood
March 11, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Sometimes I do like to read what other people are earning, more for the fact that I can then gauge how much I could charge for a sponsored post without either selling myself short or putting in a price that is just going to make them laugh. I do think that it should be tactful though as there is a very fine line between being genuine and being a show off but I do agree about not posting everything. #thatfridaylinky
ohmummymia
March 11, 2017 at 8:38 pm
I’m with you! To be honest when I see that kind of posts I think ‘f*ck my stats are not great’ 😀 and I didn’t start my blog for money or thousands followers but for myself so I will keep that knowledge with me
#ThatFridayLinky
Mary
March 11, 2017 at 11:22 pm
Love this post and I fully agree!
There’s a certain blogger/artist who is constantly referring to her 6-figure income and how ANYBODY can do it too. Frankly, it’s rather discouraging.
#ThatFridayLinky
jeremy@thirstydaddy
March 12, 2017 at 3:28 pm
I’ve never understood this either. Some people seem to make it into a goal thing, like I wanted this many followers ect by the end of the year, and look I achieved that. I agree with Simon that sometimes I’ll talk about offers with other bloggers just to see if by accepting something I’m setting the bar too low and bringing the potential down for others, but thats pretty rare. Its pretty hard to actually make any money blogging, people that are starting for the earnings should be told that, not get their hopes up!
Michelle Goodwin
March 12, 2017 at 8:26 pm
Well said. I feel exactly the same about these posts. Blogging is so much effort and after six months and many hours i’m just getting a few little perks. It’s not about making money (thats a bonus) its about having a creative outlet and sharing information #ThatFridayLinky
Lisa Pomerantz
March 12, 2017 at 9:33 pm
I’m in agreement with you Nige. Some things should be private! I’m in it for the therapy and the catharsis of writing. If anything further happens, BONUS! Would love some loot, but certainly, wouldn’t post it. Thanks for this great linky space! #ThatFridayLinky xo
Helena
March 13, 2017 at 11:37 am
I’ve only once been offered payment once and despite chasing it still yet to get paid. Grrr! It’s lovely when it works out for people but I don’t think it’s necessary to showcase these things. #ThatFridayLinky
Jaki
March 13, 2017 at 12:18 pm
I agree. I never discuss it. Just like I would never discuss my wage. It’s private. #ThatFridayLinky
Wave to Mummy
March 13, 2017 at 1:21 pm
I like those money posts. I think it is fascinating getting that insight. I do however also think whether or not people are selling themselves a bit short sometimes and I also think that mostly, the blogging income seems hard won. And that I’m glad I’ve got and well-paid job to support my blogging!
I think people mostly write them to draw in pageviews – and I’m sure that’s one of the primary reasons you’ve wrote this post too 😉 no harm in that. Also. If you sell blogging courses it is good to show that you can stand behind your words and advice!
Autumn’s Mummy
March 13, 2017 at 10:53 pm
It’s not something I’d do. I’ve been wondering why people do it, but thought perhaps it helps people in some way. After all, I’m new to the world of ‘proper’ blogging, so I simply thought it was just something I hadn’t got my head around yet! Apparently not 🙂 #ThatFridayLinky
The DADventurer (Dave)
March 14, 2017 at 12:32 pm
I have no issue discussing money with people – I don’t view it as showing off, it’s simply making sure that both them and myself are being paid what we are worth. However, I do agree with you about the income reports – I’m happy to have a conversation in private, but don’t really want my earnings all over the internet!
Mrs Mummy Harris
March 14, 2017 at 9:10 pm
I dont necessarily agree with it as I too think that some things should be private, but i do like the posts where they say “when i started out i charged x and when i increased social media/some other something big i then charged x”
I think some transparency for helping to guide other people looking to monetise is good but I dont think id want to announce how much i earn specifically! #Thatfridaylinky
Kids of the Wild
April 6, 2019 at 7:16 am
I totally agree, this is a great read. If I need to check out the value of a post I speak to trusted blogger friends behind the scenes. I don’t particularly trust those that blog about massive earnings and stats. But maybe that’s why I’m not making anything as a blogger!!