Categories
Interiors Addict

How I make money and why I won’t apologise for making a job out of blogging

This post has been brewing for some time now. Today’s the day I’ve decided to get it off my chest.

Being a full-time blogger is brilliant. I count myself as seriously lucky to write about what I love every day, to be my own boss, to meet fascinating and really nice people on a regular basis who I wouldn’t come into contact with without being in this position.

The thing is though, I often feel like I have to apologise for my job; that being a blogger isn’t a proper profession. Or that making money from it is somehow wrong or dishonest. I’ll level with you readers, this has started to get my back up! More on this later…

blogging

Since being back in the UK, I’ve had a lot of friends and acquaintances ask me about blogging. For my friends in Sydney, who see me often and have watched Interiors Addict go from hobby Tumblr to full-time, three-posts-per-day, commercially successful online publication, perhaps the idea of me doing this as a job is kind of normal. Sure, it is unusual to be a full-time blogger in most people’s books (including mine!), but my Australian friends don’t seem that stumped by it.

In England however, nobody seems to be able to get their head around it. Which perhaps suggests we are more advanced in the blogging world in Australia? Or perhaps people just haven’t seen me since I’ve been doing this full-time or they’re wondering how I can afford to travel and work part-time for six months (savings and continuing to work while away, incidentally). Maybe all of the above.

Last week, for example, I caught up with an old colleague I hadn’t seen in six years. After our hello hug, about the very first thing he said was : “I have to ask, how do you make money?” It threw me a bit and when I reflected on it later, it made me wonder how many other people are wondering the same and not being so blatant about asking (and also if there shouldn’t have been other, more important things to ask!). So I’ll tell you!

It isn’t rocket science. I sell advertising. Or rather, because I’m not very good at that stuff and would rather concentrate on what I’m good at (being a trained journalist) and enjoy, I have an agency sell my advertising for me, on commission. You’ll see these ads on the blog and in the newsletter. And occasionally I’ll send an email to my database on behalf of an advertiser. I only accept advertising from companies whose products and services I believe to be relevant to my readers.

So, that’s how I make the majority of my money. When you have tens of thousands of readers and are a lean operation with few overheads, it can certainly earn you decent money. I’m actually better off than I’ve ever been.

The only jobs I’ve ever had since leaving school have been in journalism and publishing so I can safely tell you this is how almost all commercial publications make most of their money too: advertising. So for me, the fact my own publication, which just happens to be a blog, makes money this way too, is pretty straightforward. But perhaps for those of you who haven’t worked in media, it isn’t that obvious. So now you know. Cool?

I also publish sponsored posts from advertisers who want to get their message across in words rather than banner ads. I always disclose if they’re sponsored right at the top because I believe you should know a message is paid for and decide if you want to read it anyway. Hiding the fact that a message is paid for until the end, when you’ve already read it without realising as much, doesn’t sit well with me, but some bloggers do it and that’s their call. If it doesn’t say it’s paid for, you can take it as read that I’ve written about something because I like it or think my readers will like it. Simple as that. Transparency is important to me. More on that later too…

So, now I’ve covered how I make money, which seems to be the question everyone wants answered (and don’t get me wrong, I can see why you’d be intrigued and that’s fine by me), I’ll continue with my original point about feeling I have to justify/apologise for being a full-time time blogger and making money from it. Deep breath.

I suppose one of the ‘problems’ with blogging is that many people do it for the love of it or as a hobby and don’t make money, so it’s easy to see why it’s not seen as necessarily commercial, professional or indeed hard work. Many people post every now and again for pure enjoyment and I love that everyone has the freedom to do that on a variety of free platforms. No two blogs are the same and it’s hard to talk about blogs in a general sense. I myself blogged for fun and for the love of it for the first 18 months.

Just because many people blog because they enjoy it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with making money from it though. If you have a big enough readership that people want to pay for a piece of it, and you do so with integrity and professionalism, good for you! I recently saw a post in a blogger forum asking whether people were blogging for the love of it or money, the suggestion being these things are mutually exclusive. I very much got the impression some people felt it was wrong, or had an impact on their integrity if they dared make some money out of their hobby. I simply don’t agree. And I don’t think people should feel ashamed of making money from something they enjoy. It’s the best thing ever!

Now, I’m probably right at the other end of the spectrum from the hobby bloggers and not your typical example. I’m an ex-journalist turned full-time blogger, working (without doubt) more than full-time on turning this into a sustainable business and doing pretty well at it (I’m constantly learning and trying to improve things though and business owners are almost always working on their next big idea to make theirs bigger and better!). As I mentioned earlier, I trained as a journalist and I’ve always been paid to write and edit and help make publications (print and online) more commercially viable, so I see absolutely no reason why now, when I do this for myself and my own publication, I shouldn’t get paid for it too. Is that very unreasonable?

A good friend of mine told me recently that his brother scoffed when he told him I was working as a full-time blogger these days. Now, nobody ever disrespected what I did for a living when I worked as a journalist for other people or when the publication didn’t fall into the sometimes controversial blog category, so why should that be the case now?

There’s definitely a large group of people who turn their noses up at blogs. My fellow journalists can be the worst for this! So much so, I’ll admit I often skirt around calling Interiors Addict a blog and prefer to say website or online publication. And some would say, what it has evolved into, with three posts a day and being very news-based, isn’t what many would consider a blog anymore (but I like to think the personal touch means it still is).

People definitely have an issue with people making money out of their passion too and a lot of that is an unfortunate trait of human nature, in my personal opinion.

People online can be very opinionated and say things they probaby wouldn’t to your face. A few weeks ago, in reply to one of my advertiser emails, a newsletter subscriber sent me a rather blunt email saying something along the lines of “Are you an advertising medium for “insert advertiser name here” now? How very dull.”

Well, um, actually, yes, I am, there’s nothing covert about it. If I’m to do this for my job I need to get paid for it and that’s how it works. Is it really that awful of me?

There was a time I did this for the love of it only, on top of a full-time job and it was really really hard work. With what was akin to two full-time jobs, a relationship, family and friends to divide my attention between, something had to give. Luckily for me (in hindsight), I was retrenched from my job and managed to turn blogging into a job, and I can tell you very confidently that the blog is a LOT better these days as a result. I also know my readers really enjoy and appreciate my blog and I doubt many of them have an issue with me being paid for providing them with a resource they love and find useful.

Last month, I received a lovely email from a reader in response to my third blog-birthday post, saying she got the impression I felt bad about making money from blogging (I hadn’t said as much or thought I was saying as much, but it obviously came across). She said: “As a reader I’m happy that you make money. It doesn’t cost me anything and it makes me feel like I am able to give you something back as you give me so much with the fantastic content you provide to me for free. Also I trust you and I know that you are not going to recommend something just to make a small commission.” That’s what it’s all about, eh?

I work hard (I’m no martyr, I love what I do and I get paid for it), I have high standards, I try my best to provide a great resource and I try to do so  with transparency, professionalism and integrity. I don’t think I should feel bad about it, and you know what, I don’t, but it’s a constant battle! I’ve decided it ends now. No more feeling ashamed or dirty about being paid for my hard work and many hours of it. There are much bigger things to worry about in the world!

I hope this post will change a few people’s perceptions of blogs, or just give a little insight into how it all works! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic!

By Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

166 replies on “How I make money and why I won’t apologise for making a job out of blogging”

Great post Jen! Keep up the fantastic work. There’s nothing wrong with blogging and earn your living from it. On the contrary: Doing something you love is the best that can happen actually. Lots of love.xx

Hey Jen,
Making money with blogging is logical enough. People who share their advertisements in your blog are doing so because they see business in it. Is it wrong to showcase your product and share information about a particular service or product? I am sure it is not. Then how come making money with blogging can be? Respecting the one who do it for ‘LOVE’ and ‘FUN’ sake, I think it is all about opportunities ( you are lucky to have them unlike others). May be they do it because they aren’t offered anything. The art of mingling passion with work is magical and this is the reason why your words are magic 🙂
Smile and keep it up, Wishing success!

I’ve never commented on Interiors Addict before (although I’m a daily reader!), but I just wanted to add my support, and wholeheartedly agree with your emailer. We, as readers, are offered more through your website every week than most magazines provide monthly, and we have to pay for them! I think you do a fantastic job, and congratulate you on your success. Jealousy is a thriving human characteristic, and it’s unfortunate that it is often targeted at people who love what they do. You work hard and produce a high-quality, professional publication, and I’m thankful for it 🙂

Surely there’s done jealousy at play here – people would love to be able to do this themselves!

I understand many people would love to love their job, and how forutnate I am, but also wish more people would be brave enough to chase their dreams. It isn’t easy but it so so worth it if it pays off!

By Post Author

Like many have written before, those who turn their noses are feeling one of two things: jealousy (i.e. they wish they could do it too) or threat (they think bloggers could steal their jobs).

This is one of my favourite posts! Good for you for making such a success out of blogging!!

I was looking for something to keep me inspired
When, from teaching, I finally retired.
I was too young for bowls and too old for tennis
But a perfect social media menace.
Not equipped to be a geriatric jogger
Considered being a Granny Blogger
Because one of the things I love the most
Is writing a story or “poem” for a daily post.
My audience of friends is very small
If I could earn money from this, I wouldn’t mind at all!
Good for you is what I feel
To combine a passion with a living is just ideal!

I feel the same guilt when I charge a design consult fee. I love and live design and for me my appointments are fun. And so thus the guilt I feel when I ask to be paid !

Have stylist friends who say exactly the same, but you shouldn’t only get paid for things which are a chore! Your IP is gold and worth paying for. It comes easy to you but not at all to many others! Remember that!

By Post Author

Jen – beautifully written and argued.

I think all of us who do what we love online and get paid for it, feel at one time or other that we are being judged.

Online also flummoxes some people. They can relate to traditional print but online feels ethereal and wishy-washy to many; a free, hobby environment.

I produce the same products with my online biz that I did at my old bricks-and-mortar shop. People understand traditional retail (by people, I actually mean my parents!! hehehe) but online journalism and retail is often seen as an invisible world of ‘so how does that work then?’

Your tribe understands and appreciates you Jen.

xx Send my love to our green and pleasant land.

Thanks Emma, you are always such a big supporter of Interiors Addict! Funnily enough, I see your business as even more innovative and impressive SINCE it went online!

By Post Author

Some of the people that I admire most are bloggers (Susie Bubble, The Sartorialist, you!) and, as someone who works in the fast paced world of fashion, bloggers are a godsend! Designers and stylists get a lot of their leads from bloggers- they are the first to spot street trends, they have their eyes and ears on EVERYTHING so never miss a trick with newness, are naturally curious creatures so seeing innovation is a joy to them, they can start a resurgence in a long forgotton about item and brands love them! What better way to get a bit of advertising than having a blogger you admire rave about your products? That shouldn’t be paid for though- bloggers & brands loose all credibility when they pay someone to like something, product placement anyone? Good bloggers make you fall in love with their loves, discover something new and are able to ignite passion in others.

Don’t ever let anyone question your job Jen, I am sure it is born out of jealousy anyway! xx

Thanks Em, that means a lot coming from you, as a mate and as someone who udnerstands the influence of bloggers through your work life. PS. Emailed you some dates a week or so ago. Did you get? x

By Post Author

You shouldn’t have to ever apologise for your passion and wage coming from the same place. Utter nonsense!

Do people who become midwives or forensic psychologists because they are passionate about those fields have to apologise? I think not. Do cops or teachers or architects or dancers?

Your blog/website/mag is fantastically professional, yet warm and personalised in tone. That’s something to be bloody proud of.

As for your friend’s brother, he should learn to keep things to himself! Or. Your friend should just stop repeating his silly thoughts.

Congratulations Jen, you’ve built this from an idea in your head. More power to you.

Keep on keeping on!

Annette x

Thanks Annette for your continued support of me and my blog, I appreciate it 🙂 My friend (related to the brother!) was only telling me in as much as he does respect and udnerstand what I do but knows others don’t get it!

By Post Author

Great post Jen. I can’t tell you the number of times people ask me how I make money, and it’s usually the first or second question they ask too. I’ve also said “I run a website” instead of saying “blogger” for fear of it being a dirty word. Love your frankness and I’m going to stop apologising for loving what I do too.

Yes, let’s unite and stop feeling embarrassed or wrong about it and feel good about working hard and coming up with ideas to build our businesses and succeed at it! you should certainly be SUPEr proud. Love your blog and REALLY loving seeing Mr and Mrs R flourish now too x

By Post Author

I think generally people don’t have a clue about what goes into the price of something. Whether that’s your wage – the ‘price’ you’re paid for your time & effort & skill – or a product you’re recommending, or the price of a bottle of milk, people have no idea what their money goes towards. Hello, the $3 you paid for the milk wasn’t just for the milk – it’s for the transport & packaging & refrigerated shelf space & the advertising, among other things. I’d bet that most people couldn’t tell you exactly why their boss pays them their wage, or how their company makes the money to pay them said wage. If they did understand, getting paid for blogging wouldn’t be such a mystery… Love your work.

That’s a really good point Karen, and thanks for your comment. I find since I’ve had my own business, and have to pay out of my own money for the services of other people, who I outsource to, I appreciate what they do and how worth it it is, more than I ever did when I was an employee! I value the time and skills of my accountant, graphic designer, etc, etc and think it worth every penny! Equally, some people balk at my hourly rate for private writing work etc. As far as I’m concerned, if you don’t like it, don’t get me to do the work, I don’t mind at all!

By Post Author

Absolutely. Small business is certainly an eye-opener for the real world of economics! And I agree – I’m not the only dressmaker around, and there are plenty of clients who are happy to pay me what I’m worth. If you’re not among that crowd, then I wish you all the best finding the right dressmaker for your needs – but she isn’t me. 🙂

I have watched your blog go from strength to strength and think this is something you should be extremely proud of. Your content has always focused on informing us about what’s happening, what’s new and what is fabulous in the homewares and design sector. People subscribe and follow your blog for this reason and you never let them down.
All power to you for being able to turn it into a full time, paid job. Don’t let the haters get you down!

I totally admire that you have been able to make money from your blog. I have just started blogging ‘for fun’ and I have come across the exact opposite response. People around me are constantly asking ‘so, what are you doing this for? Are you looking for a job? Why are you doing it?’ They imply that if it’s not a job then what is the point? So it looks like people will question no matter what! So keep doing what you are doing. U r obviously very good at it!!!

Great article Jen! Ever since I stumbled upon your blog over a year ago I’ve admired what you’ve done with it and how far you’ve gone. People should be praising you for turning what you love into a job and one that pays you to live a comfortable life (or more). I’m a believer in running your own business – people who own their own business are generally happier than a person that works a standard 9-5. I’m starting a blog soon, thanks for being my inspiration!

Hi Jen, I would describe the phenomenon you are experiencing as ‘Tall poppy syndrome’ (TPS). Wikipedia describes TPS as follows:

Tall poppy syndrome is a pejorative term primarily used in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Anglosphere nations to describe a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers.

Loved your post, love what you do, and know you have a whole army of readers who would love to have a few words to some of these criticizers. Next time be sure to send them our way 🙂

Jen, don’t let people get to you. You bring so much joy to so many readers each day and add real value. People who condescend or question what you do, simply don’t mean well. However you explain it, (and you really shouldn’t have to), they’re unlikely to change.

We like you just the way you are, doing what you do. You’re inspiring.

Love this!!! It is funny how people think passion and income have to be mutually exclusive, but it probably comes from the amount of people who really want to be doing something they are passionate about but don’t have the guts to give it a shot! Great article!!

Hi Jen, as someone who works with you on the back end I know exactly how you make money: You’re a drug dealer! (the drug being interior design news) 😉

On a more serious note I have seen how hard you work and how dedicated you are to the work you do. In the bell curve of bloggers, you are far to the right of average and DESERVE your success. You’re living the dream because you worked your butt off for it – what’s there to be ashamed about?

As for people not understanding what you do, you have to look at things from the other end. Making words appear on the internet, in their inboxes, advertising deals – these are things the average person wouldn’t understand let alone be able to do. They have no frame of reference so they don’t understand. (P.S. my dad still couldn’t tell you what I do)

So here’s to your continued success. With your work ethic, brains and personality I’m sure you’ll enjoy more of it 🙂

Hi and thanks heaps for posting about this. It’s something that’s almost taboo to talk about and I’m so glad someone has come forward with some honesty.
It really doesn’t help seeing morning television shows & radio stations interviewing bloggers with the angle of ‘oh so you post a photo of your kid and you get paid a full time wage’ sort of attitude. Oh if only it were that easy. People like to hear the story that someone makes a living off doing ‘nothing’ and like to make out that’s what blogging is, however it’s a far cry from that and this highlights it.
I too have struggled calling what I do ‘blogging’ and often just say ‘I’m a writer’ or when people ask how does a blog make money I say ‘in the same way a magazine does, they have a big readership, so does a blog, so there is value there. Magazines only have advertising in it that may be of interest to their readers. Frankie Magazine’s ads are about cute quirky items and businesses. It’s all the same as a blog. Where there are readers, there is a money making avenue.
The people that scoff at what we do are the same people who also scoff when we stop, when our articles aren’t as good anymore or are lacking.
They want us to produce high quality work, regularly, and do it for free. The reality is, that’s impossible. It can take a day just to drive to a location to do the photoshoot for a blog post, never mind the editing, writing, and publishing (etc etc) That just can’t happen if you’re also working a full time job.
Also if these people want these great posts, they can’t happen without good hosting, cameras, editing software, computers, web design, etc etc. There are a lot of costs involved including time that can’t be pulled out of thin air to bring you great reads.
People don’t expect a magazine to be free in shops, so why should our works.
We aren’t charging you to read our content like a magazine does. It’s all free but it can only be free if we can include ads!
I’m about to launch an online magazine myself after blogging since 2008, and I’ve been working 9am-1am every single day on this and will be doing so for probably years to come in order to make this successful. I’d love to know where a full-time job would fit in to the equation, or why on earth it should be ad free.
Again thankyou for writing this and allowing me to reply a vent! 🙂
Much love
Trish xx

Great article Jen. A lot of people in the UK don’t understand blogging, thinking it’s just an online journal. The only thing I don’t understand is my utter jealousy that you get to write about what you love everyday and get paid! I’m pleased to say I’ve followed your work from our humble Darlo journalism days and couldn’t be prouder of all you’ve achieved. Kx

You are very much appreciated, and I’m sure that goes for the majority! Keep up the great blog, and after just starting my own blog I realise it would be an extreme amount of work to turn it into a paying blog. Even though I have no intention of that! Keep up the amazing work, I believe you deserve every penny! X

Thanks so much, Jen, for such a wonderfully open and honest post about a topic that lots of us bloggers are faced with these days. I’m a teeny tiny blog compared to yours but I have had the eye rolls and the scoffing too, especially since my blog has started making a little bit of money. I don’t understand why people do scoff at us making money from something we absolutely love to do and why people would begrudge us the opportunity. Blogging fits perfectly with my lifestyle – I homeschool my son and so I need to be available to him throughout the day. We’ve struggled for years on a single income but have made it our priority to homeschool our son. Having a little bit of extra income coming into our household via blogging is starting to give us a little bit more breathing space and help life not be so tight financially all of the time.

Keep doing what you’re doing, Jen. You’re fantastic at it and it’s inspiring for us smaller bloggers to have people like you talk openly about this kind of thing:)

I find that some people have issues regarding you making money doing something that you love and enjoy doing. I think unfortunately a lot of it stems from jealously and guilt that they are not following their own dreams. Luckily they are in the minority. There are so many supportive people out there that are encouraging and appreciate what you do, listen to them and ignore the rest. Well done, keep up the good work. I love your blog!

Thanks for that post Jen! It is inspiring people like you and this blog (which I read daily) that have inspired me to take the leap and study interior design for the career I have always wanted. I recently left the defence force and I am now working full time while studying at ISCD.

Thanks for the inspiration! Please keep it coming! 😉

I interestingly had a customer (who is a blogger) say they felt that once a blogger started to have sponsored posts that it ruined the integrity of the blog.
Though in some ways I can understand this perception I think life is very full and there is a limited amount of time. If blogging had no reward, you would at some point ask if it was still viable to invest the amount of energy and time it takes to manage a blog. My guess is that a lot of people would say no and the internet would be a sadder place for it.
If your content is so good you can make a living off it, I would call that success story.

The thing is, if you clearly state what is sponsored and what isn’t, there isn’t an integrity issue at all if you ask me. Thanks for your comment, it is so interesting getting everyone’s different take on it! 🙂

By Post Author

Jen thank you for sharing. You are representative of new a whole new paradigm in how we do business – heart centred entreprenuership. I am not sure if you have come across Marie Forleo, Danielle LaPorte, Darren Hardy or kate Northrup who operate in a different space to you but are fabulous examples and champions of this. keep up the great work!

First time posting a comment, and not a religious reader of your blog (due to time constraints, but I do mostly have a quick look through) but wanted to pass on my 5 cents worth and say there will always be negative people out there for whatever reason, you have 80,000 readers and you are making a good living, you have NOTHING to be ashamed of…….good on you! keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to all of us who dream of making a living from doing what we love. Go forth, live in the moment and enjoy your 6 months on the road.

Hi Jen
I follow you on Instagram, have participated in 7 Vignettes and also subscribe to your newsletter- I admit I am not only inspired by what you post but what you do for a living. It saddens me a little that people have made you feel as if what you do is somehow not legitimate and have ultimately driven you to need to post this.
In this day and age are people really so shocked that it’s possible to make a living doing something you love and do it ethically?
I didn’t realise such narrow-mindedness was alive and kicking.
Keep doing what you are doing there is a reason you have such a huge following!
Thanks
Liz Barrett

Hi Liz. It is a little depressing, HOWEVER the very positive, kind and supportive comments I’ve received in the last couple of days have been heartwarming and made me realise even more so that I really shouldn’t worry about the others! Thanks for commenting!

By Post Author

Keep up the fab work Jen !! I loooove and sinerely appreciate that I can such great ‘online publications’ for free. I very rarely buy mags anymore when I get s
uch great content from bloggers such as yourself. Blogs rock !

I only recently discovered your blog and I love it. Anyone who can make an honest living doing a job they love is truly blessed. Is it envy perhaps that make others criticise? Regardless, keep up the great work. For the record I have found some really interesting online companies through your advertising that I would never have known about otherwise. So thanks.

Jen, I have nothing but admiration for you! I have seen how hard you work – and the professionalism of your blog is a testament to that work. The only thing I can say is that the hardest thing about being successful is that more and more criticism will come your way. Good on you for meeting it face on and challenging the norms. x

Wow, seriously? Why on earth should you even feel that you need to explain how you earn a living to anyone? If you are entrepreneurial enough, smart enough, motivated enough and talented enough to make a living how/ when/in whatever you choose- BRAVO to you. The scoffers are also the ones who will never be in charge of their own destiny. You fly girl. Cx

If you weren’t making any money from this blog, there would be just as many people telling you you’re crazy and asking why not! I would be one of them ☺️

Hi Jen,
Good on you for coming out publicly and saying something. It’s a shame people feel it’s ok to hide behind email and say things they wouldn’t have the guts to say to your face. Blogging is not different to any other form of publishing (TV radio,magazines, papers) they make money from advertising that’s how publishing and the world works, I’m sure they people making these remarks wouldn’t go to work for free every day? It dosent take a rocket scientist to know that any professional product including your Blog takes full time commitment. Can everyon just take a chill pull an not be so negative to successful people. Great work for being able to start your own business in an industry that is struggling! You should b congratulated! And a big thanks for your integrity and always declaring a paid post. Love your work!

I so agree! Just relax people, and let everyone do what they want and enjoy and get paid for it, especially when nobody’s getting hurt! You almost have to laugh about it!

By Post Author

Jen, you and Lucy at The Design Files are two of my most favourite “blogs” which I look forward to everyday….you are inspiring and give us readers inspiration to make our homes more inviting and a blessing to others….you are a great blessing to me and I am only jealous in that I would love to be able to make a living out of my passions….I am inspired to work at it! Thanks so much!

Bravo, Jen! And it’s important to keep this “I’m a blogger but I am still a journalist” distinction, as this is one factor which sets you apart from other bloggers.

In effect, all that’s changed since you stopped editing a magazine and moved to InteriorsAddict is that you moved to ‘self-publishing’ – you’re still a journalist with a specific beat, you still bring your journalistic and related (eg marketing) skills to bear on your chosen topic, only now you ‘publish’ your own content instead of somebody else being the publisher/owner.

It’s a similar transition to the one I made from being a full-time journalist writing about technology to running Australian Business Traveller – once I was employed full-time by a newspaper or a magazine to write about tech and edit tech magazines and newspaper sections, now I am employed by myself (and I’m such a nice boss!) to write and edit a website about business travel. But I still wield the exact same skill set.

As to blogging for money or love? Sure, they are often mutually exclusive but there’s no reason you can’t do both, and in fact that is the ideal scenario. “Do what you love, and love what you do” is my first motto, and I find that when you do what you love and really pour your heart into it, the money will follow.

Thanks David, I know you get it more than most. I also remember you telling me (ages ago) to call Interiors Addict a website and not a blog! It is something I’m still weighing up all the time, in terms of what to call it!

By Post Author

Power to you, Jen!

I found myself nodding all the way through your post. It also got me thinking about football players and cricketers. How many people play these sports for fun? At semi-professional levels? And those who are paid big money for it are revered! People don’t commonly say to them “oh you’re paid lots to play sport, that must mean you don’t really love it.” It’s just not a thing!

Don’t feel bad about being able to earn money from something that you love and clearly are great at! That’s the dream! If companies want to advertise its reinforcing that you are doing a great job. So enjoy, and keep the posts coming! people who scoff or think otherwise are jealous they have to go to work in jobs they don’t love.

A large percentage of the population now spend a great deal of their time on the net. We read our news, actively shop and browse for stuff, educate ourselves, play, chat, blog, write letters, etc., etc. Why should information pages be classed as any different to “old school” businesses? Blogging sites give us daily updated information on a multitude of topics within specific genres and context. The work, research, and knowledge and skill that goes into putting all that together is far more valuable to many of us than just visiting a static web page that pushes one product. The majority of internet users appreciate all of the above and would accept without saying, that yours is just as much a legitimate business as any other. Keep up the great work. You are valued, and deserve anything you can make from your talents.

Bloody well said Jen! I am trying to find the chutzpah, balls, confidence, whatever you want to call it…to let go of a profession that has been damaging to me, and give myself the permission and energy to try to make proper money from what i love…from the skill set i already have in my bag…from my artistic and creative side. To make money from what you are good at and what you love…sounds FLIPPIN’ FAB!More power to you!
PS…It is in no small thing that being a part of your #7 VIGNETTES group of addicts has really given me a boost and platform to share my ‘stuff’ ..and thus a sense of pride and support from these amazing people.You may know me as RARE PEAR STUDIO…and I thank my lucky instagram stars that you do what you do! xxx

That’s awesome you make a living from blogging! I love reading your posts! People can be so thoughtless and cruel at times. Don’t let them get you down! Blogging and advertising is the way of the future! Keep up the great work!

I believe there is a touch of the green eyed monster from some people Jen. I too am envious but only because you are making a living out of something you really enjoy. All your hard work has paid of and you are now reaping the rewards plus you are bringing joy into the lives of those of us who read you daily. My home has benefitted from your blog and for that I thank you sincerely. Ignore the critics or in those great Australian words “stuff ’em!”

Jen, thanks for sharing – such honesty. You have managed to carve out a living with what you love. You work hard – that is clear from your content. Continue to enjoy, love and share!

Hi Jen, I think your blog is wonderful and you obviously work incredibly hard on it. I am quite inspired by what you have achieved.
Is there an avenue to sponsor smaller, independent brands or retailers that might otherwise have a hard time getting their name out there? Or is it simply not affordable for them? I wonder if it’s not so much the sponsored posts people are reacting to, but the choice of big box brands? Just something to consider.
Don’t be discouraged. You do a fantastic job.

I cover smaller brands, free of charge, in non-sponsored posts all the time. I also have some affordable ad options for small businesses. I guess it’s just life that the big brands have the money to spend on bigger campaigns! But I am always keen to give smaller brands some exposure too, so long as I like them or think my readers will. Thanks for your comment, Lisa!

By Post Author

Go you. Justification was not required but I hope it helps. Thanks for your daily detailed snippets that provide inspiration to us all.

Jen, I love hearing when people start their own business from hard work and determination and you are one of those people. You clearly love what you do and that’s the best basis for a successful business. Your success is clearly through truly being nice to people and through honesty and that is more than most people do. You are inspiring to many of us and I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks forward to your posts each day. You’re not egotistical or pretentious and that is so refreshing! Don’t change a thing!

Not sure how people would expect you to live if you didn’t charge for advertising on your amazing blog. I love reading it and gain great insight. Keep up the great work, I might even advertise my products one day on your site.

Hi Jen,

One wide for your friends brother IGNORANCE!
I also think the definition and perception of the word BLOG has not evolved to where and what blogging is at or is currently achieving.
It’s another platform for delivering FREE information to the viewer.
Maybe that’s the issue, maybe if viewers paid your friends brother my respect the valuable and insightful information you provide.

Good for you!! I am a primary school teacher but for the last 2 years have been the school counsellor within the school. I get questioned all the time ‘when are you going back into a classroom?’ ‘Why study for 4 years or nothing?’ I too get really sick of the judgment on my career choice. It’s simple. I feel I am good at helping children and families one on one. So I feel for you Jen!

Argh, that would annoy me! I also don’t udnerstand why people have to be so concerned with other people’s choices, they should concentrate on their own! 😉

By Post Author

UGH it annoys me that you had to even write this post but good for you. I guess I don’t even think of IA as a blog so much as an online publication but stick to what you’re doing. You do it well! Kudos lady. x

This is a great post Jen, and good for you!! Blogging is a fantastic world to be apart of, and I think all bloggers are driven by passion and this passion is enhanced by every single visitor to their blog. Someday I would love to blog full time! Like you say; holding down a day job, keeping up with the blog and living life in general does keep one busy! Keep up the great work 🙂

Good on you and I agree, there is nothing to apologise for or be ashamed of.
I wanted to ad on a commenter above (Rachille Price), which I find can be very true. Sometimes when blogging becomes a full-time-job, the site not only looses it’s integrity but also lack of actual content in the sponsored posts, and on top of that those sponsor of the posts sometimes have hardly any connection to that subject or even site/blog.
I have to say I have only relatively recently started reading some blogs (3years or so) and I really don’t read a lot of blogs, but there are actual forums out there that discuss the content of particular blogs and their journey, or what they have become since transitioning from-part-time-hobby-bloging to full-time-job and the general opinion seems to be that those blogs/sites tend to become just site full of ads, having the initial appeal to the people.
So as I said, because I don’t have the long-time-blog-reading-experience I can’t say if this is a common thing, but I think you are doing a great job in disclosing your posts, and also you mentioned several times that you only take sponsors, which represent your opinion or that of your site.

p.s.nobody says anything when a singer becomes more famous and professional and makes money out of their talent and skill, right?!

I think the sites which become full of ads and sponsored content and stop thinking about the reader and what they want, and only their bank balance, will soon lose out. That’s the great thing, the readership ultimately decide whether you’ll be successful. If you turn them off and they stop reading, they stop clicking on ads, you stop getting ad bookings because their campaigns don’t get good results, and you stop making money. So, it is SO important to not lose site of producing great, interesting, relevant content and lots of it, which is what I constantly strive for! Thanks so much for your comment.

By Post Author

Firstly, congratulations Jen, on being so honest with this post and more importantly for being so successful with your blog. I totally agree with the whole blogging perception out there. Whilst most people, generally my close friends and family are really supportive of my new interest (Ive been blogging for about a year now!), most others are a bit perplexed about it. They give a look- you know what Im talking about- a bit confused but also stunned that someone might be interested in what you have to say. I don’t advertise I blog to strangers because I hate having to justify why I do it- especially as I dont make any money from mine (I hope too eventually). Ive decided the minority who put their noses up, actually dont understand the blogging world and choose to not want to know. On a positive note, the ones who are into blogging are incredibly supportive which provides me some motivation to keep going. I love your blog and how it has developed- a credit to your hard work and passion to make it work. Its an inspiration for any blogging wanting to get out there! Thanks again for sharing your story….and know you have a lot of positive support out there too!!!! kx

You’re so true, there is a lot of ignorance. It can still be insulting though, eh? All the best with your blogging endeavours! And yes, the positive comments have been really heartwarming!

By Post Author

I subscribe because I like what you say and the content you cover, paid or not. Magazines get paid, newspapers get paid, sports get sponsored. So many haters! Not me! Now is the time to rise up and rename this niche called “blogging”. You’re a Digital Decorator, a Blogzine Curator, a Blogpreneur, a professional, experienced, writer who doesn’t have to explain herself to me…or anyone.

Very well said Jen. I recognise this so much! I always feel that I need to explain that it is not a hobby but a business. Yes, it’s a business I love as I love writing about fashion, but it’s still hard work that deserves to get paid.

Why anyone would question your need to earn a living from your work is beyond me. As you say, it’s the same as magazines earning their revenue from advertising. As a graphic designer (and now a business owner and blogger) I am constantly baffled why some people think that just because I enjoy what I do that I don’t deserve to be paid for it.

Blogging is a new and unfamiliar industry to most people so I can understand the curiosity, so transparent posts like this help to demystify the system. However, criticising someone for doing an honest job is really unfair.

Jen, bloggers like you who run their businesses (because that’s what they are) in a professional and ethical manner raise the standards of the whole industry. Keep doing what you’re doing… and hold your head high while you’re doing it.

Hi Alicia. The more I read comments like yours, the more I think you’re right and it’s less blogging, and more people envying people enjoying their work or thinking that because it’s enjoyable it’s not hard work or ‘proper’. Frustrating!

By Post Author

Hi Jen,

Love your blog and it’s fabulous you can make a living from it. I’ve learnt so much from your blog and love your passion and enthusiasm. Thank you and keep up the fabulous work. Best wishes, Jude xx

Hi Jen –

I recently heard someone say that people should measure their success by how happy they are. Not only are you nailing this for yourself but you are inspiring others to do so.

Keep it up.
Rachael

I think people don’t like or trust what they don’t understand – and many people don’t understand how people can make money from blogs, or how to make money from their passions! I think it’s fabulous that you earn a living from what you love doing and it’s inspirational for all of us. x

Hi Jen – if life has taught me one thing…it is that when people say mean things it is because they are jealous! People strive to do something they are passionate about – you are a living example of it and you should proud sister!!! Hold your head up high and blog away…oh and get paid or it!!!

Cheers, Tina!

What a refreshing, insightful and inspirational blog post. And it’s great that you share that knowledge and know-how as well. Keep it up and enjoy the travels – the fact that you can combine what you love doing with time for travel and juggle the demands and comittment is also inspiring.

Hi Jen, Maybe if people realised that ‘blogger’ = ‘online journalist and reviewer’ they would not be so harsh on you. Well done for giving us lots of great information. As you say, other forms of media, eg. newspapers, get paid via ads, etc. This is no different for you. Keep up the good work.
Regards, Kate

Great post!

I never understand why readers who get all the information you share for free, get offended when you sell advertising… I mean you pay to buy a paper magazine and it is still full of advertising and product placement, yet people still shell out their $$ to buy them and here you are giving them that for free and they complain!

Completely and absolutely RIGHT Jen!!! Thanks for voicing it ! xoxoxo And yes – journalists, in my experience, have been the most critical of what I do too.
Love your work
x Ju

I follow you via IG, and when you put the link to this the other day, I knew I wanted to read it fully and finally see your site!
It’s fabulous!
You must be a huge inspiration for many an active blogger. I love the blogging world, and whilst currently I have disabled the blog I had… (I don’t really know what/when I blog/want to blog anymore…) I still love reading and commenting!
Well done you! And fab post!

What a fabulous read Jen! I am a woman who loves to share the things I love. Most nights I’m on the computer looking for something new to share with my IG followers, while sourcing interiors and finishes for my new home….while I get my slowly blog set up. I know people don’t understand why I share so much, but I also feel I have a knowledge and love to share and inspire others to do the same. To me Jen, you have inspired so many to share their passions. I cannot say that I have ever read a post I haven’t liked. Your blog is a fabulous commercial machine that you have obviously worked very very hard at.
Cheers Kelly Ferraro 🙂

Totally agree with every word! As a fellow journalist now earning money from my own blog, I am also feeling bad vibes across social media from others bloggers who look down their noses at commercial blogs. To me, it comes across purely as jealously and I don’t enter any discussion with them. Like you say, we are from a different, professional world where we get paid for our professional writing. Here’s to our first million 😉 And thanks for your ongoing, invaluable advice xx

Look how many people commented on this post. Testimony that what you are doing is resonating. I think your blog is doing so well because you treat it like a publication. You approach it like an experienced editor and journalist. You are doing such a great job. Probably a lot of people don’t actually think about the fact that publications exist and make their money through advertising so they are the ones asking these questions. Maybe you should just call it an online magazine. 🙂 Anyway keep on rocking it Jen. Xx

I personally think that everyone is looking for a job they love and getting paid for it! It is certainly my goal! Artists and any creative people are looking for that aren’t they? Big case of jealousy at play here from someone or people who aren’t very happy people within themselves. There is a spiritual saying “Do what you love and the money will come” All the best to you Jen!

There are people all over the world getting paid to do what other people to “for fun”. Hundreds of thousands of people love a game of backyard cricket, yet don’t turn their nose up at our national side getting paid to play the same game. You should not have to apologise for what you do for a living, just because it may be enjoyable. And, like the cricketers in agony after 4 hours of strength training followed by an ice bath, when you are up at some ungodly hour proofreading content, it may not actually be all that fun. Just like all jobs there are goods bits and bad bits. Just because your job has more good bits doesn’t make it any less meaningful. xxC

The idea that you can’t turn something you love into a living (or your living into something you love) is outdated. There are very few people in the world who would do it if they could—they’re just jealous that you can and they can’t.

Besides which, too many people are unable to sustain their passion because they can’t afford the time/money to do it. This way, you get to gallivant around Australia and the world on behalf of all IA readers to attend events and you’ll keep doing it until you stop loving it. It’s better than giving your heart away because you can’t afford to have a passion and a job at the same time.

All the living/loving separatists can just deal.

The reason why advertisers want to work with you is because you’ve built an audience of people who value your content, something that takes experience, insight and a lot of time to cultivate. The readers get all of the benefits of your hard work for free, how odd that some feel that this means you shouldn’t be paid at all.

Well said, I think it’s so refreshing to be one’s own publisher… and a LOT less chance of being retrenched. A very interesting read. I started mine as a commercial blog, selling books I’d written but it’s become more of a done-for-love sort of enterprise, unusual but it just suits my life better these days to not worry about money. I’ve worked across all media, mainly TV pre-kids, and find the blogging online world by far the most satisfying.

I definitely believe if people want to monetise their blog and brands are willing to pay then go for it! I’ve just recently started doing it with my own blog. Its taken me two years to build up my blog to attract brands, being a personal blog I find its harder to do. I think if you are very transparent and only choose to work with/or brands you think your readers will love then most wont have a problem with it. I still blog because I absolutely love it and monetising and working with brands helps me feel like I’m also using my ‘real life’ skills in marketing. Good on you for being able to make a living doing what you love, its my dream to get to that stage one day too.

Hi Jen,

Good on you for posting this important blog – blogging is a well recognised and accepted profession and you are right to not feel guilty about earning money from Interior Addict.

It is a professional, stylish and informative blog and the dedication and hard work which go into your site are clearly there, in every aspect.

Commercial and private companies employ communication specialists to just look after their blogs and they are paid for it so why not you as a private business owner with a fantastic following?

You are right to be proud of what you have created and achieved with your blog. I enjoy your blog and have just got around to subscribing ( naughty me) but am looking forward to more of the great standard of work and content which you provide to your readers every week.

Good on you Jen! The blogosphere and the interiors world would be much less well off without you and your quality contributions,and amazing content your readers are spoilt with every week!

Em. x 🙂

Comments are closed.