Archives for June 2025

Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Jan Barley

Are you struggling to turn your blog readers into subscribers? You’re not alone. I know about the power of lead magnets for bloggers, but I didn’t do it.

When I first started blogging, I poured my heart and soul into every post, only to watch visitors come and go without a trace. Lead magnets for bloggers are something I was aware of, but I put off creating one for years because the idea seemed overwhelming.

My guess is you’re feeling the same. We know it is essential for growing your email list and building lasting relationships with your readers, so what stops us?.

And yes, I still haven’t created one for this blog (groan), although I do have a good reason. Do I, or am I just kidding myself? Probably.

A free or low-cost lead magnet is an incentive to offer visitors in exchange for their email address. There are numerous types of lead magnets that bloggers can try today, including checklists, e-books, mini-courses, masterclasses, webinars, and more.

The best lead magnets are simple, useful, and closely tied to your blog’s main topics, making readers excited to subscribe and return for your new posts.

Key Takeaways

• Lead magnets help you attract and engage more blog readers.
• Creating the right lead magnet can boost subscriber growth.
• Simple, targeted ideas make your offer more effective.

Why Lead Magnets for Bloggers?

If you wonder whether creating a lead magnet is worth it, hear this. A large, loyal email list = long-term sales.

What Are Lead Magnets?

A lead magnet is typically a free or low-cost offer. The purpose of a lead magnet is to attract people interested in your content and products to your email list.

A lead magnet should address a specific problem, answer a key question, and provide value to your target audience. For example, a blogging checklist could help new bloggers launch their site and encourage them to sign up for your updates.

The Importance of Lead Magnets in Blogging

Lead magnets are a key part of most content strategies because they help you grow your list of subscribers and stop you from relying on social media platforms or search engines.

The Danger of Social Media

The issue with social media is that you don’t own the content you create.

For example, an AI group I joined recently has 420,000 members. A few days ago, the group leader emailed to say that Facebook had suspended his account. A random AI bot had triggered negative reports to Facebook, resulting in mass suspensions of hundreds of successful groups.

Search engine marketing is undergoing significant changes with the rollout of AI-powered search. Even enormous sites like AHREFs recently reported substantial drops in clicks.

There has never been a more critical time to build your email list.

Key Benefits of Lead Magnets for Bloggers

There are several benefits to using lead magnets:

• Builds your email list: Each subscriber is a potential customer or loyal reader.
• Improves marketing: You gain a direct channel to share special offers, news, or launches.
• Increases trust: By offering something valuable for free, you demonstrate that you genuinely care about your audience.
• Drives lead generation: Attract the right people who are more likely to become paying customers in the future.
• Boosts engagement: Email subscribers often engage more with your blog than casual visitors.

Types of Effective Lead Magnets

Lead magnets are most effective when they are easy to use, instantly valuable, and provide your readers with something they can apply immediately.

eBooks and Cheatsheets

eBooks and cheat sheets are popular lead magnets for bloggers, and they’re easy to create. It could be a 10-page guide explaining the basics of starting a blog or a collection of strategies for growing website traffic.

Cheatsheets, by contrast, break down a complex topic into quick, easy-to-follow steps or reminders. For example, a one-page SEO cheatsheet or a list of helpful blogging tools can save your readers time.

Checklists, Worksheets, and Planners

Checklists, worksheets, and planners are practical lead magnets that help people stay organised. A checklist can guide readers through tasks they should not forget.

Worksheets encourage readers to fill in details and make progress, like a “Goal Setting Worksheet” for bloggers.

Planners help your audience map out their strategy. These tools make complex tasks feel more manageable by breaking them into smaller steps.

Templates, Swipe Files, and Printables

Templates, swipe files, and printables are ready-made tools that save your readers time and are super easy to create with Canva. A template can be a reusable outline, such as a blog post template with suggested headings and prompts.

Swipe files contain real examples or “copy-and-paste” scripts that users can adapt for their own purposes. For example, you might share a set of customisable email templates or headline ideas.

Printables include calendars, goal trackers, or visual planners that your readers can print and use. These resources help people start projects faster and avoid “blank page” anxiety.

Engaging Lead Magnet Ideas for Bloggers

If you want to grow your email list and connect with readers, choosing the right lead magnets is essential.

Free Courses and Tutorials

Offering a free course or step-by-step tutorial is a powerful way to provide genuine value. Many readers sign up when they see an in-depth guide that solves a problem or teaches them a new skill.

You can create these courses as email series, video lessons, or downloadable PDFs. If you want to create video lessons and add resources like Google docs, you can create one free course with Systeme. I’m just working on my first course with Systeme for another niche I work in.

Focus on the transformation and provide clear learning outcomes. Break your content into easy-to-follow modules with practical steps.

Webinars and Live Sessions

Webinars are interactive, allowing you to answer questions in real-time. Hosting a live session helps build trust and gives you direct contact with your audience.

During the session, use screen sharing, live demos, or Q&A to keep people involved. Promote the event across your blog and social channels and ask people to sign up with their email address to gain access.

If you record the webinar, consider offering the replay as a secondary lead magnet, allowing new subscribers to benefit even after the live event has concluded.

You can promote the webinar with a sales page created using Systeme, which is free for up to 2,000 subscribers and costs only $17 per month.

Giveaways and Free Offers

Giveaways and free offers can significantly boost sign-ups. However, in my experience, freebies often attract people who will never spend money with you.

The new way of effectively using lead magnets is to create a super low-cost offer, such as $3-$7. That way, you have a subscriber who is comfortable spending money with you.

In 2024, I gave away a highly valuable lead magnet for free for six months. The results were shocking.

75% of new subscribers unsubscribed after getting the freebie with the first email. A powerful aspect of marketing is to repel potential subscribers who aren’t your target audience.

Optimising Lead Magnets for Conversion

To maximise conversions, every part of your lead magnet offer should include a clear call to action, a compelling landing page, and tangible value. These three components must work together.

Creating a Compelling Call to Action

A call to action (CTA) should be clear, direct, and focused on a single goal. Use action words like “Download,” “Get,” or “Start” that tell readers exactly what to do next.

Keep your language benefit-driven. For example, instead of “Submit,” use “Get My Free Guide.” Avoid vague requests and always make it obvious what your visitor will receive.

Test different CTAs to determine which one yields the highest conversion rate. Even slight changes in wording or design can help you improve results quickly.

Designing Effective Landing Pages

Your landing page should be simple, easy to read, and focused on a single purpose: getting visitors to sign up. Use a strong headline that states the main benefit of your lead magnet. A short paragraph or bullet list can help visitors see value at a glance.

Remove anything non-essential. Too many links or distractions can hurt conversions. Include social proof, such as testimonials or the number of downloads, to build trust. Add images or mock-ups of your lead magnet so people know exactly what they’re getting.

Systeme has multiple sales page templates, which you can use for free.

Aligning with Audience Needs

Understanding your audience is crucial for creating a successful lead magnet. Research what your ideal customers want, struggle with, and value most.

Craft your lead magnet to address a genuine problem your readers encounter. The offer should feel relevant and specific, not generic. If you provide value and directly address audience needs, you will see higher conversions and more qualified leads.

Promoting and Distributing Your Lead Magnets

The following strategies help you attract attention, build trust, and ensure your readers want to sign up to hear more from you.

Email Marketing and Sequences

Use an email marketing platform to set up an automatic email sequence. Systeme has a free lifetime plan. It’s beginner-friendly and only $17 per month, with the option to upgrade as your subscriber list grows beyond 2,000 subscribers.

Systeme enables you to deliver the lead magnet immediately after someone signs up. Many email marketing platforms charge an arm or a leg to automate an email campaign, so Systeme’s free or low-cost starter plan is a no-brainer.

The first email should contain the promised content, accompanied by a clear download link.

Plan a welcome sequence of 3–5 emails to introduce new subscribers to the value of your blog. Each message should reinforce why subscribing was a good choice. Share your tips, story, or additional resources.

Keep your language friendly, helpful, and direct. Make it easy for readers to reply or ask questions. This approach can turn a single download into a long-term relationship with your audience.

Integrating Opt-in Forms and Newsletters

Place opt-in forms in high-traffic areas such as your blog’s homepage, within popular blog posts, and at the end of articles. Use pop-ups, slide-ins, and banners to draw attention without overwhelming the reader. Ensure forms are clear, visually appealing, and explain precisely what the reader will get.

Segment your email list to target readers with relevant newsletter content. Regular newsletters keep your audience engaged and provide more ways to promote new lead magnets.

Leveraging Social Proof and Trust

Showcasing testimonials, subscriber counts, or well-known brands you’ve worked with helps create trust. Add these to your opt-in pages or near your sign-up forms to reassure readers.

Use quotes from satisfied subscribers or show how your lead magnet has helped others. This type of social proof encourages more sign-ups by demonstrating the value of your blog.

Measuring Success and Scaling Your Strategy

Measuring results helps you understand whether your freebie or digital product is attracting the right audience. It also allows you to identify areas for decluttering your process or share more of your expertise.

Tracking Conversions and Email Subscribers

Tracking how many people sign up for your lead magnet shows how well it converts visitors into subscribers. Focus on simple metrics, such as conversion rate and the number of new email subscribers added to your list.

Systeme shows how many subscribers opened your email and whether they clicked on links within the email.

Testing and Refining Your Lead Magnets

Regularly testing your lead magnets is vital for steady growth. Try simple A/B tests: change one thing at a time on your freebie’s landing page, such as the headline, image, or call-to-action button.

If your current lead magnet is not performing, see if your audience prefers a different format (for example, a checklist instead of an eBook). Use feedback from new subscribers and analytics to decide what to update or remove.

Don’t be afraid to ask your subscribers how you can improve. Feedback helps you grow and develop products your audience wants and needs.

Expanding Your Digital Product Offerings

Once you understand what your audience values, you can offer more than just simple freebies.

You can develop new digital products, such as mini-courses, paid guides, or exclusive templates, tailored to your subscribers’ interests and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Effective Examples Of Lead Magnets Used By Successful Bloggers?

Many bloggers achieve success with simple resources, such as checklists, downloadable templates, guides, and cheat sheets. Masterclasses and webinars primarily address a specific problem or answer a common question. Interactive tools and free email courses attract attention and encourage readers to sign up for more.

How Do I Design A Lead Magnet That Converts?

Use ChatGPT to brainstorm solving a real problem for your readers. Keep your lead magnet clear, concise, and user-friendly. Offer actionable tips or step-by-step instructions so people get value right away. Studies show that checklists and templates often give the best instant results for users, helping you build trust quickly.

Which Tools Are Essential For Creating High-Quality Lead Magnets?

You need user-friendly design software, such as Canva and Google Docs, to create clean and simple documents and visuals. Low-cost email marketing tools, such as Systeme, are essential for creating a landing page and automatically delivering your lead magnets after someone signs up.

Where Can I Find Customisable Templates For Lead Magnet Creation?

Template libraries on Canva offer many customisable options for checklists, eBooks, and worksheets. These make it easier to create professional materials without having to start from scratch.

How Does A Lead Magnet Contribute To A Digital Marketing Strategy?

A lead magnet attracts people to your email list, helping you connect with your target audience. It allows you to nurture leads by sharing valuable content and building trust over time. It’s also about ownership of your email list and not relying on the instability of social media platforms.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link

Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Jan Barley

It started over coffee, a crumpled notebook, and a severe case of burnout. I’d just quit a horrible toxic job and was hell-bent on chasing freedom and purpose when someone casually said, “You’re a great writer. Why don’t you start a blog?”

It sounded simple enough. Still, no one warned me how much blogging could change my life, for better and for worse. And I never considered the pros and cons of blogging. I just wanted to do it.

In this post, we’ll look into the pros and cons of blogging, not just from a theoretical perspective but from real experiences and hard-earned lessons.

Whether you’re wondering if blogging is the best option for you or trying to decide whether to continue, understanding the highs and the lows will help you make an informed decision.

There’s a lot of noise online, promising quick money and passive income, but blogging has evolved. Yes, the benefits of blogging can be incredible. I love that it’s flexible work, giving you creative freedom. However, there’s also burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure to create constantly.

Stick around because this isn’t just a list. I’ll walk you through what no one tells you when you’re asking, “Is blogging worth it?” We’ll open a few doors, explore both sides and maybe help you decide whether this path is really for you.

Pro: Blogging Gives You Freedom Over Your Time and Creativity

One of the biggest benefits of blogging is the freedom it offers, not just in your schedule but also in how you express your thoughts, ideas, and passions.

Unlike a traditional nine to five, blogging lets you decide when and where you work. Early mornings, late nights, cafés or your kitchen table, it’s entirely up to you.

For me, the real magic is creative freedom. You can write about what truly matters to you, whether that’s personal growth, tech tutorials, wellness or wild travel adventures.

There is no micromanaging boss gaslighting you, criticising your content or crushing your ideas. The voice is yours. And when readers begin to connect with that voice, something shifts. You’re not just writing. You’re building something meaningful.

This stage is where many fall in love with the blogging process. The pros and cons of blogging often start here. It feels like a dream. You’re in charge, you create what you love, and every post has the potential to reach someone across the world.

Of course, freedom comes with responsibility, and we’ll come back to that later. But for now, this is where blogging begins for many people, with the liberating realisation that your time and your voice are finally yours.

Pro: Blogging Can Lead to Multiple Income Streams

When I first heard that some bloggers were earning thousands from their websites, I thought it must be too good to be true. But as I dug deeper, I discovered that blogging can become a genuine income source, not overnight, but over time, with strategy and consistency.

One of the lesser-known benefits of blogging is the range of income options it offers. You can earn passive income through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, digital products, services, courses, ads and more.

Some bloggers even turn their blogs into the hub of a full-time business. This kind of creative entrepreneurship is one of the reasons so many people start blogging in the first place.

Of course, not everyone earns six figures, and we will discuss the challenges of making money blogging later. However, the truth is that blogging enables you to create multiple income streams from your knowledge, experience, or passion. That is something traditional jobs rarely offer.

If you are wondering about the pros and cons of blogging, the potential to monetise your blog is a definite pro, especially when it builds over time into something sustainable.

It’s not easy money, but despite the frustrations, blogging can be deeply rewarding.

Pro: Blogging Helps You Build Authority and Real Connections

One of the unexpected benefits of blogging is how it positions you as someone worth listening to. Over time, as you consistently share valuable content, you establish trust with your audience.

Readers return because they see you as a voice they can rely on, someone with insight, not just opinion.

This authority does not come from a degree or a title. It comes from your willingness to show up, help others and share what you know.

Whether you are writing about travel hacks, money mindset, parenting or tech reviews, you become a “go-to” voice in that space. And with that, opportunities follow, such as podcast interviews, collaborations, speaking events, or even book deals.

However, the impact of blogging extends beyond that.

Blogging builds a connection. Readers email you with their thoughts. You get comments saying, “This helped me.” You realise that your words are not just floating in the void. They are reaching people, helping them, and maybe even making a difference in their day.

In the bigger picture of the pros and cons of blogging, this feeling of contribution and connection is hard to beat. It reminds you why you started, especially on the days when motivation runs low.

Con: Blogging Takes a Lot More Time Than People Expect

In the early days, I thought blogging meant writing a post, hitting publish, and waiting for traffic to roll in. The reality was very different. Writing one post weekly is easy. Anyone can manage that, but once you ramp up your publishing, it gets tricky to stay consistent.

Blogging is not just writing. It’s research, editing, search engine optimisation, image sourcing, email marketing, updating old content and staying consistent, even when life gets busy. Blogger burnout can appear at any time.

It’s about navigating Google Analytics and wondering why the fu*k your traffic dropped overnight.

Many people start blogging for more freedom, and that is a valid reason. However, the truth is that blogging requires time and energy, especially in the beginning. If you are juggling a job, family or other commitments, carving out sufficient time to create quality content can be tough.

Sometimes, you might feel inspired, while at other times, you will wonder if anyone is even reading.

Managing the lows is one of the biggest challenges for bloggers, and it often sets in when the initial excitement wears off. You may have all the ideas but feel stuck in the doing. That is where burnout begins to creep in.

Therefore, when discussing the pros and cons of blogging, this particular con is particularly relevant. Blogging is flexible, yes, but it still requires a structured approach and an ongoing commitment.

If you do not create a content strategy and system that works for your life, your blog can quickly become another unfinished project. Goal setting for bloggers is one of the most effective activities you can do to succeed.

Pro: Blogging Offers a Platform to Share Your Passion and Impact Others

One of the most rewarding benefits of blogging is having a space to share your passion with the world. Whether your interest lies in cooking, personal finance, travel or mental health, blogging allows you to speak directly to people who care about what you care about.

Beyond the technical work and time investment, blogging creates a platform where your ideas can inspire, educate and even transform lives.

Readers may tell you how your words helped them through a difficult time or sparked a new idea. That kind of impact goes beyond any paycheck.

When reflecting on the pros and cons of blogging, the ability to connect deeply and make a difference keeps many bloggers motivated during the tough patches. It reminds you that behind every blog post is a person who may feel inspired by your message.

Pro: Blogging Helps You Develop Valuable Skills for Life and Work

Beyond writing, blogging teaches you a wide range of skills that are useful in many areas of life and career.

From research and storytelling to basic web design, SEO, marketing and even time management, the learning curve can be steep but rewarding.

Many bloggers find that these skills open doors to new opportunities, such as freelance work, consulting, public speaking, or launching a business.

I’ve worked with many clients since I started, writing SEO blog content for their websites. And they pay well because I can demonstrate my expertise and the results I achieve.

Even if you never monetise your blog (why wouldn’t you?), the knowledge and experience you gain can boost your confidence and professional value.

In the bigger picture of the pros and cons of blogging, developing these skills is a powerful advantage that few other hobbies or side projects can offer. It’s like investing in yourself while doing something you enjoy.

Con: Blogging Can Feel Lonely and Isolating

While blogging connects you with readers worldwide, the day-to-day process can sometimes feel quite lonely. Unlike a traditional job with colleagues around you, blogging often means working alone, especially in the early stages.

This isolation can lead to feelings of self-doubt or burnout. Without regular interaction or feedback, it’s easy to question whether your work is making an impact.

For many bloggers, the emotional challenge is one of the most tricky aspects of the journey. It’s why many new bloggers quit before they even got started.

Understanding this is an integral part of the pros and cons of blogging. If you can’t handle working alone, blogging may not be for you. Knowing when to reach out for support, join communities or take breaks can make all the difference in maintaining motivation and mental well-being.

Here’s another con that digs into a common challenge many bloggers face.

Con: Blogging Requires Consistency and Discipline

One of the toughest parts about blogging is the need to stay consistent over the long term.

Success rarely happens overnight, and building an engaged audience means regularly publishing content, promoting it and engaging with readers.

For many, maintaining this routine alongside other responsibilities can feel overwhelming. It requires discipline to keep showing up, even on days when inspiration is low, or life gets hectic.

Beginners often overlook the demand for ongoing commitment. Treat blogging as a marathon, not a sprint, because that helps prepare you for the reality behind the passion.

Expect to wait at least 1-2 years before you see results. That said, some people succeed faster. It depends on the niche and the amount of traffic you can drive to your blog.

Read: How Often Should You Blog (What no one tells you)

Pro: Blogging Encourages Personal Growth and Confidence

One of the less obvious benefits of blogging is the way it pushes you to grow as a person. Putting your thoughts and experiences into words regularly helps you clarify your ideas, overcome fears and gain confidence.

You’re raising your head above the parapet, and that takes courage, especially if you have ADHD-related RSD (rejection sensitivity disorder). Blogging with ADHD is a whole other challenge. It is for me, anyway.

Writing for an audience can be intimidating at first, but over time, you learn to trust your voice and express yourself more authentically.

This journey of self-discovery is a key part of the pros and cons of blogging. While the process can be tough, many bloggers find that the personal growth they experience is enriching and often extends beyond their blog into other areas of life.

Con: Blogging Involves a Steep Technical Learning Curve

While blogging feels creative and freeing, it often requires learning new technical skills. Setting up a website, managing hosting, installing plugins, optimising content for search engines, and troubleshooting issues can quickly become overwhelming.

For example, I am having an issue with slow loading for mobile browsers. It had been fine for years, but it recently dropped significantly. I’m chasing my hosting company to migrate my site to a VPS (virtual private server) to speed things up, but they aren’t rushing, and that’s frustrating the heck out of me.

Now, I’m pretty tech-savvy, so I was able to identify where and why my site was slow. However, if you’re not tech-savvy, these issues can be highly stressful.

For those not familiar with technology, this learning curve can slow progress and cause frustration. It may take time and patience before you feel comfortable managing the backend of your blog, which is essential for growth and monetisation.

This technical challenge is a key part of the pros and cons of blogging. It’s best to prepare, seek support or use simpler platforms that reduce the technical burden.

Con: Income from Blogging Can Be Unpredictable and Slow to Grow

Many new bloggers expect to start earning quickly, but the reality is often very different. Building a steady income from blogging takes time, effort and patience. Initially, revenue may be inconsistent or even nonexistent.

Although much of my content ranks on page one of the SERPs, converting it into affiliate sales is disappointing. Since my site is still relatively small, I’m having to dig deep to create new content and update older content to drive more traffic.

This unpredictability can be discouraging, especially if you rely on your blog for extra money. Seasonal trends, algorithm changes, and market shifts can also affect your earnings.

Another issue we face is the use of Google AI in search. A recent article by AHREFs explains my recent “crocodile-shaped” stats, with impressions rising but clicks dropping. Conversely, Monster Insights indicates that AI traffic is my #1 source, but it doesn’t appear in Google Analytics.

Understanding this as part of the pros and cons of blogging is essential. To succeed, preparing for slow growth and diversifying your income streams can make the journey more manageable.

Con: Dealing with Negative Feedback Can Be Challenging

As your blog grows, you may attract criticism or negative comments. Sometimes, people delight in disagreeing with your views, and feedback can be harsh or even hurtful. Dealing with this negativity requires emotional strength and a resilient attitude.

For new bloggers, facing trolls or mean comments can be discouraging and make you question whether it is worth continuing. Learning to manage criticism constructively is a vital skill in the blogging journey. I turn off comments on my blog basically because you get so much bot spam it drives you insane.

This aspect is a real part of the pros and cons of blogging, reminding us that not all attention is positive, but it can also be an opportunity for growth.

Pro: Blogging Can Open Doors to Exciting Opportunities

Despite the challenges, blogging can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities. As you build your audience and credibility, you might get an invite to speak at events, collaborate with brands or even write for other publications.

Once you start showing up in Google SERPs, SaaS companies may approach you, offering a free subscription in return for writing a review on their products. That can be a financially viable option to help you grow your blog.

These opportunities can expand your network, increase your influence and even lead to new career paths. Many bloggers find that their blog becomes a launchpad for ventures they never imagined.

When contemplating the pros and cons of blogging, these opportunities present a powerful incentive to keep going.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Blogging

Blogging offers numerous exciting benefits, including creative freedom, multiple income streams, personal growth, and unexpected opportunities. At the same time, it demands time, consistency, and resilience to overcome challenges such as loneliness, technical hurdles, and unpredictable income.

Understanding the pros and cons of blogging before you start can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for the journey ahead.

Blogging is not a quick path to success, but for those willing to commit, it can be a gratifying way to share your passion, build connections and develop valuable skills.

If you are ready to embrace both the bright and difficult sides, blogging might just be the perfect creative outlet and career step for you.

Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Jan Barley

If you’re eager to increase your blogging income, you’re in the right place. These top tips will help you achieve excellent results in time.

A few years ago, I remember staring at my analytics dashboard, thinking, “Is this it?” I was putting in the hours, writing blog posts, promoting on Pinterest and trying to keep up with SEO trends. But the income? Let’s just say it didn’t match the effort.

If you’ve ever felt the same, you’re not alone. The good news is blogging can be profitable. You need the right strategies and a bit of patience. This post is your shortcut to that turning point.

By the end, you’ll walk away with 9 practical, doable ways to boost your blogging income, even if you’re starting small. And I’ll share the one thing I wish I’d done sooner that changed everything.

And here’s the bit no one tells you: once you hit a tipping point, your focus shifts from hustling to optimising. That’s when blogging becomes more than a side hustle. It becomes a system.

Focus on Recurring Affiliate Programmes

My first affiliate sale was a £3 commission from a course I’d linked in a blog post. It felt like a win until I realised I’d need to keep making new sales every month to stay afloat.

That’s when I discovered recurring affiliate programmes. Unlike one-off payouts, these pay you monthly for as long as someone stays subscribed. It’s a smarter, steadier way to grow your blogging income.

The key is to promote tools that people need in the long term, like email marketing platforms, funnel builders, and SEO tools. For example, Systeme.io offers a whopping 60% recurring commission for every referral who sticks around.

Even if just five people sign up and stay, you’ve built a small, consistent income stream. I advise seeking merchants that pay a minimum 25% recurring commission.

You won’t see results overnight, but over time, these small monthly payments will add up. It’s like building a digital income ladder — one step at a time, with each post lifting you higher.

Create a Digital Product

For months, I believed digital products were only for “big bloggers” with huge email lists and perfect websites. But one afternoon, frustrated with the slow trickle of affiliate income, I asked myself a simple question, “what do people really need?”

Now, I’m planning several digital products and physical books to help my audience.

Digital products give you complete control over your income. There’s no commission split, no algorithm to please, and no need to chase pageviews. You create once, and it continues to work for you behind the scenes.

And when you’re ready, use Systeme.io to create a free sales page and email campaign to sell your products. You can also make one course entirely for free on the platform.

You don’t need perfection, just a solution that works. And once you’ve sold one, the motivation spurs you on to create more.

Use SEO to Drive Evergreen Traffic

It wasn’t until I wrote a post that ranked on Google for months, outperforming every other post by 500%, that I truly understood the magic of SEO for blogging. One blog post consistently brought in visitors, clicks, and affiliate sales, all without requiring any effort.

That’s what evergreen content does. It works while you rest.

SEO isn’t about stuffing keywords or writing like a robot. It’s about understanding what your audience is searching for and creating helpful, focused content that addresses their needs.

Use tools like SEOWriting.ai for blog content and Ubersuggest to find low-competition keywords with decent search volume, then clearly structure your content to optimise it for search engines.

Focus on posts that solve ongoing problems, such as how-tos, product comparisons, or beginner guides. Once ranked, they become silent salespeople for your blog, quietly building trust and income month after month.

It takes time, but SEO gives your content a solid foundation. And the deeper those roots grow, the higher your income.

Repurpose Content Across Platforms

There was a time when I’d pour my heart into a blog post and then share it once and move on. It felt like throwing gold into the wind.

Then I realised something simple but powerful: one piece of content can live many lives.

You can repurpose new blog posts into multiple Pinterest pins, a carousel on Instagram, a voiceover reel, or even a short-form video using Pictory.ai. The more places your message shows up, the more chances you have to attract readers, grow your email list and earn income.

Repurposing isn’t about doing more work; it’s about making your existing work go further. Take your most popular posts and turn the key points into short-form content. Use Repurpose.io to adapt content for each platform.

This strategy works exceptionally well if you’re short on time, and let’s be honest, most bloggers are. One post, many formats. Simple, powerful and surprisingly effective.

Build an Email List Early

If I could go back and start over, the first thing I’d do is start building my email list from day one.

When I began blogging, I focused on pageviews and Pinterest traffic, not realising how quickly platforms change. One algorithm shift and everything dipped. However, one thing I forgot (or put off), as most new bloggers do, is starting an email list.

An email list is personal. It’s direct. And best of all, it’s yours. No algorithm can take it away.

You don’t need thousands of subscribers to make it worthwhile. Even 100 loyal readers can bring in sales if they trust you. Offer a simple freebie that solves a problem, like a checklist, quick guide or planner. Use a tool like Systeme.io to create a (FREE) simple sales page, automate delivery and start building your list on autopilot.

Then, send value-packed emails. Share your latest blog post, a personal story, or a helpful tip. Show up consistently, and when you do share an affiliate product or launch a digital offer, they’re far more likely to buy because they know you.

Your email list becomes the heartbeat of your blog. And if you nurture it, it will grow into one of your most reliable income streams.

Add a Services Page

I’ve been writing SEO blog content for clients since 2020. It’s my bread-and-butter income.

If you’ve got a skill like writing, editing, social media, or design, offering it as a service can bring in income while your passive streams grow. It also builds confidence and deepens your expertise.

You don’t need to turn your blog into a full-time agency. One or two well-matched clients per month can create a steady income, especially if you offer packages or retainers.

Start by thinking about what people often ask your help with. Then, write a short services page explaining what you offer, who it’s for, and how to get started.

Selling a service doesn’t have to be a permanent solution, but it can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

If you’re short of ideas, check out my blog post on 38 websites that pay bloggers to write.

Host Webinars or Workshops

This option might sound scary at first, but it works. Webinars allow you to teach, connect and sell all in one go. If you’re not ready to go live, pre-record using Synthesia, then automate the funnel. You could even create it as an evergreen workshop with Systeme.io’s free plan.

Raise Your Prices

Whether it’s your services, sponsored content or digital products, undercharging keeps your blog stuck. Test new price points. Positioning is everything, and often, pricing higher makes you more trustworthy.

When I started writing, my first client paid me £0.03 per word. It was chicken feed, but it got me the experience I needed to attract more clients. Nowadays, I earn an average of £250 per 1,000 words.

Focus on Other Traffic Sources Aside from Google

Google updates can decimate traffic. Additionally, if your website becomes slow to load, traffic will drop, especially for mobile browsers. There are two other fantastic search engines:

• Pinterest: Don’t sit on Pinterest. Start pinning your blog content as soon as you have enough to share once a day. Pinterest is my second biggest traffic source. If you don’t want the time-consuming hassle of creating pins, sorting descriptions and SEO, try Pin Generator. It generates 60 pins in a minute!
• YouTube: Owned by Google, a YouTube channel can drive traffic to your blog. Additionally, you can build a community, sell products, and generate ad revenue income when your channel gets monetised.

Start both of these channels as soon as possible. I wish I had started YouTube earlier. That said, I started two channels in a different niche from my blog because I can create content more quickly. My goal is to generate passive income from multiple sources, and I encourage you to set a similar goal for the foreseeable future.

Read: Goal Setting for Bloggers

My Turning Point for This Blog

The moment I stopped treating my blog like a diary and started treating it like a business, everything changed. It didn’t happen overnight, but these 10 strategies built layer upon layer until things finally clicked.

Remember that income from blogging takes time, as you need a significant amount of traffic. Take the pressure off yourself and generate revenue from offering writing services. Select a niche you enjoy and begin reaching out to potential clients.

If you’re wondering where to start, pick one. Just one of these tips. Implement it this week. And if you stick with it, the next time you check your income dashboard, it might just surprise you.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. 

Last Updated on June 13, 2025 by Jan Barley

“How often should you blog?”

I used to ask myself that question all the time, sat staring at my pathetic Google Console stats, wondering if I’d made a colossal mistake starting a blog at all. But then, one tiny shift changed everything for me. I’ll share that in a moment, so hang tight.

Why How Often You Post Blog Content Matters

How often you blog isn’t just a random number. It can shape your traffic, your growth, and, yes, your sanity.

Search engines like Google love fresh content. So does Pinterest, if you’re driving traffic that way like I do. More on that in my post about my favourite Pinterest traffic strategies.

Regular blogging tells these platforms, “Hey! I’m active. Recommend me.”

But it’s not just about robots. It’s about your readers. Ghost them for three months and suddenly pop back with a “Hey guys, I’ve been busy” post? They’ve probably moved on. I’ve been there. Ouch.

The “Blog Every Day” Myth (AKA, How I Almost Burnt Out)

There was a phase where I thought blogging every single day was the holy grail. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Instead, I ended up writing rushed posts, doubting myself, and wondering why my blog still felt invisible. It felt like shouting into the void while running on empty.

If you’re asking how often should you blog, the answer isn’t “as much as humanly possible.” It’s “as often as you can sustainably create valuable content.” Blogging should build momentum, not break your spirit.

There is an optimum frequency for blogging that few people discuss. Or, if they do, they fail to explain their reasoning for the frequency of their blogging.

Different Blogging Frequencies for Different Goals

Here’s where that tiny shift comes in: your blog doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s pace. It needs to follow your pace.

• Starting Out: If you’re just getting started, try posting 1–2 times a week. It’s manageable and builds your blog steadily. I did this while juggling other projects and learning the ropes.
• Fast Growth: To achieve rapid growth, posting 3–4 high-quality posts per week can be beneficial, provided you can maintain this pace without burning out.
• Time Strapped: If time is tight, one solid post a week, or even every two weeks, is enough, as long as it’s useful.

Remember: it’s your blog. It should fit around your life, not consume it.

Quality Over Quantity, But Don’t Use That as an Excuse

Assuming you have a goal, then yes, blogging regularly is essential. Still, good content beats frequent content every time. I’ve seen plenty of bloggers wait months between posts because they want everything “perfect.”

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress.

So, if you’re wondering how often should you blog to grow, aim for content that’s real and helpful. Keep your bar high but realistic. No one expects Pulitzer Prize-winning essays, just posts that solve a problem or inspire.

How to Find Your Ideal Blogging Schedule

I never really thought about my blogging schedule until much later. In hindsight, that’s bonkers because I bang on to clients about having a consistent publishing schedule.

I came to my schedule by realising my blog didn’t need to mimic anyone else’s schedule. It needed to align with my rhythm, one that matched my energy, time, and goals. Another factor was what I wanted my blog to do, and that goal needed more traffic.

Ask yourself the following questions – and be honest:

• How much time can I realistically dedicate weekly?
• What’s my primary goal? Traffic, income, creative outlet?
• How long does one post take from idea to publish to promote? Be realistic. However long you think it takes, it will always be longer.

If you can write one post a week, that’s your baseline. Fantastic. Stick with it.

As for me, I started with around 4-6 blogs a month, and initially, that generated good growth. However, in April 2025, my traffic hit a wall. My site had a technical issue that caused slow loading.

I didn’t notice at first, as the decline was slow. Then, I discovered I’d lost a significant number of keywords (Google penalises slow sites, especially for mobile browsing) and started panicking.

After I sorted the slow loading, I reflected on my blogging strategy.

I got approved by Journey by Mediavine in April, so the more traffic I get, the more I can earn from ad revenue. At the moment, it’s a teeny, tiny amount. So, I decided to do something different.

These days, I batch ideas ahead, use tools to speed things up, and sometimes skip a week without guilt. I usually have 2-3 weeks of content planned ahead (or I’d go nuts).

I’ve recently committed to publishing a minimum of three blog posts weekly, come rain or shine. However, there’s something else: another powerful yet simple-to-implement SEO strategy that I almost forgot to include in this post…

Don’t Forget: Updating Aged Content Can Be a Game-Changer

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you might be sitting on some older posts that don’t get much love anymore.

Here’s a little secret: refreshing your aged content can be just as powerful as writing new posts when it comes to SEO.

Sometimes, all your blog needs is a good spring clean. Update facts, add new insights, refine your keywords, or enhance the formatting to make your posts more readable. If you have a WordPress site, install a content update plugin (I use WP Last Modified), as that shows readers (and Google) that the post is fresh.

Additionally, you can remove irrelevant content to help Google bots better understand your content theme. Use the removal tool in Google Console to stop deleted pages from getting indexed.

Search engines love fresh, relevant info, so updating old posts can boost your rankings without the sweat of creating something from scratch. Plus, it’s a time-efficient exercise disproportionate to the positive results it can give you compared to publishing a brand-new post.

If you’re wondering how often should you blog, mixing in updates with new content is a smart way to keep your blog active and climbing in search results.

The problem we all have as bloggers causes most new bloggers to quit, but it’s easy to overcome.

3 Tips for Blogging Consistently Without Losing Your Mind

Earlier, I said I’d share three things that keep me consistent, even when life gets chaotic, so here they are:

1: Batch Your Work

Writing several intros or outlines in one go is way easier than starting a fresh post every time. It helps keep you in flow. This step is crucial if you want to stay consistent without losing your mind or burning out.

I never complete a blog from scratch. I plan to create a batch of 2-3 pieces together, including research, keywords, and titles. Next, I do outlines. Then, I write the first draft.

After that, I edit with Grammarly, check for plagiarism and leave it for 24 hours.

I then use the ‘read aloud’ feature in Word to ‘hear’ mistakes, sticky sentences, bad grammar, etc.

Yes, this is my process. It might not suit you. Remember, these guidelines are from my personal experience. Tweak what doesn’t work for you.

It’s a perfect process for my ADHD brain. It prevents me from getting burned out and helps me produce a large amount of content.

2: Repurpose Like A Pro

Turn each blog post into pins, emails, reels, and more. (Here’s a reasonably-priced tool I use to repurpose content to get the most mileage)

3: Use Scheduling Tools

Don’t rely on memory. Tools like Trello or Google Calendar help you plan and stay on track with your schedule. Even a simple Excel doc can help keep you on track. That’s what I use.

These simple shifts keep me showing up, even on days when my brain wants to hide under a duvet.

Oh yes, of course. I forgot. There’s a fourth tip. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the one thing that helps me write blog content in a fraction of the time.

#4: Use AI tools to maximise your time and input

I use two specific AI tools that I couldn’t live without…

Speed Up Your Blogging with AI Tools

If you ever feel stuck or short on time, AI tools like ChatGPT and SEOWriting.ai can be absolute lifesavers.

ChatGPT helps me brainstorm ideas, draft content, and even polish my writing without losing my voice. Recently, it’s had a memory update. If you use it regularly, go and ask it to tell you about yourself. The results are shocking!

I also use it to do the following tasks:

1. YouTube scripts and descriptions
2. Brainstorm titles and create outlines
3. Provide a list of secondary keywords and synonyms
4. Create prompts for AI image generation for blog posts.
5. Write Pinterest descriptions with SEO keywords and hashtags
6. Assess a competitor’s top-ranking blog & suggest how I could improve on it. Ahrefs charge £99/month for that!

Just those six tasks are equivalent to around two days of work, but using AI tools, I can complete them in maybe three hours a week.

Meanwhile, when I really want to save time, SEOWriting.ai provides me with SEO suggestions, allowing my posts to get noticed by search engines without hours of legwork.

I still spend time editing what SEOwriting.ai produces, but it’s speedy, and the content output usually only requires a bit of fine-tuning. Additionally, the company is constantly improving its results, as they weren’t that great when I first started using it.

Using these AI tools doesn’t replace your creativity, but it does speed up the process, helping you publish more consistently and confidently.

Some people say AI is stripping us of our creativity. However, AI helps my creativity because I’m not exhausted trying to do everything myself. I get fresh ideas from a brain that doesn’t fry to a crisp like an overcooked onion.

If you’re wondering how often should you blog, AI tools might be the secret weapon that keeps you on track. Producing a lot of content isn’t easy when you have an entire life to work around.

AI technology is advancing faster than we can imagine. The bloggers who adopt it now and learn to become proficient at prompting will succeed more than those who are resistant to AI.

Conclusion: What I Wish I Knew When I Started My Blog

If I could talk to newbie me, all excited but overwhelmed, I’d say: “Don’t stress over ‘how often should you blog. Just start.” 

Keep showing up. Adjust when life changes. Trust that consistent effort, even if it’s once a week, adds up faster than you think.”

If you can only manage to publish one blog post each week, accept that growth might be slower.

In hindsight, I wish I’d started with two posts a week. Still, it’s been a learning curve. It still is and probably always will be.

I’d also start Pinterest marketing sooner, as that is now my second-highest source of traffic. To prove a point, I recently earned a $498 commission, my first big one.

That commission tracked back to someone clicking on a four-month-old pin about the best Pinterest courses I’d completed. Pinterest is a slow burn, but pins are evergreen, so they can continue driving traffic to your blog for years. Pins can also rank in Google SERPs.

So, in conclusion, how often should you blog? As frequently as it’s possible to create helpful, authentic, and sustainable content.

That, my friend, is the magic frequency.

And if you’re wondering what to write about, check out my post on 21 blog post ideas for beginners.

See you soon x

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. 

Last Updated on June 11, 2025 by Jan Barley

I lost 200 keywords almost overnight because I ignored the fact that goal setting for bloggers is something I should have been on top of.

Quite recently, I hit a wall. I’d just got approved with Journey by Mediavine, which somehow caused me to take my eye off the ball. I’d become lazy about writing blog content and stopped thinking things through before deciding what to write.

Then, my site speed suddenly tanked.

Core Web Vitals. Friend or Enemy?

Because I hadn’t thought about the fundamentals of goal setting for bloggers, such as site speed, Google slapped me on the wrist, took away privileges, and made me sit on the naughty step. I lost 200 keywords practically overnight. That was totally gutting.

I realised something had to change. Fast.

The optimal Large Contentful Paint (what loads above the fold on your website for mobile loading speed) should be less than 2.5 seconds.

Mine was 3.3s, which isn’t abysmal, but other statistics performed poorly.

If you’ve struggled with staying motivated, sticking to goals, or knowing where to start, I’ve got you. I hope this post on goal setting for bloggers will help you avoid the mistakes I made.

However, before we discuss numbers or traffic spikes, we need to address a few things. Why do most blogging goals fail before you even hit publish?

Let’s start there.

Start With Your Why, Not Just Your Word Count Goal

If you haven’t read Simon Sinek’s Book “Start with Why” I highly recommend it. It genuinely helps you to focus on the reasons behind what you do.

It’s tempting to set blogging goals that sound impressive. “I’ll write 100 posts this year” sounds fantastic on paper, but if the reason behind it is just “because that’s what other bloggers are doing,” it’s not going to stick. Trust me, I’ve tried. And here’s why it fails.

I set a target to write over 100 blog posts in 2024. If you had asked me why, I genuinely couldn’t tell you. I achieved my target, but it yielded nothing, or at least only enough income to cover six months’ council tax.

When I first started setting goals for my blog, I was obsessed with statistics. Technically, obsession is an aspect of my ADHD (read Blogging with ADHD) that I struggle to manage.

My site continued to trend upwards, even recovering promptly after Google updates. Still, without a clear purpose behind those goals, I continued to burn out and get distracted.

Those numbers didn’t mean diddly squat because they didn’t translate into anything useful, such as income.

Read: Blogger Burnout is Real: 5 Kick-Ass Strategies to Beat it

Start Shifting Your Blogging Mindset

My motivation didn’t vanish overnight. It just slowly trickled away every time I lost sight of why I started blogging in the first place. I felt depressed and wondered if I had wasted an entire year focusing on the “wrong” things.

So before you start working on your blog, ask yourself this:

• Why did you start your blog?
• How will you know if it’s working?
• Have you set up an email campaign?
• What do you want it to do for your life?
• What challenges are you likely to face?
• What time-saving systems do you have in place?
• What will you do when you inevitably lose motivation?
• Is it a creative outlet? A route to passive income? A way to escape the 9-to-5 hamster wheel?

For me, it was freedom. Freedom to be creative, to work on my terms, and eventually, to earn a living doing something I genuinely enjoyed. I wanted to stop relying on the feast-or-famine nature of client work and build something financially sustainable.

Still, I hadn’t thought it through. I hadn’t considered that goal setting for bloggers meant more than writing a few posts. I hadn’t created an anchor or asked myself any of the questions mentioned above.

Subsequently, I began anchoring my goals to the core reason I started a blog. To do something meaningful and make a full-time income.

Remember it Takes Time

I must be honest and say that it’s early days, so I can’t say that everything has fallen into place yet. However, I have stopped publishing posts just to tick boxes. I’m now building something that matters to me.

If you’re serious about goal setting for bloggers, this is where you begin. Otherwise, every goal you set will feel hollow, and staying motivated will be like trying to wallpaper a wet wall.

Now, once your why is clear, the next step is to make sure your goals don’t feel like an overwhelming to-do list. It’s easy to think that busy means productive, but often that’s not the case. You need structure but not stress.

The next step for goal setting for bloggers is to get specific without feeling stressed or panicky.

Get Specific, But Not in a Way That Triggers Panic

Once you’ve figured out your “why,” it’s time to break that grand vision into something you can get done without drip-feeding coffee.

One of my blogging goals for this year is to publish 150 posts. Sounds massive, right? It is. Isn’t it the same as my intent to write 100 posts in 2024? Yes, but here’s the thing:

• I now know why I’m doing it.
• I’m clearer about my niche.
• I know how challenging it can be.
• I’m not trying to write them all in a single weekend.
• It’s not the only thing I’m doing for my blog: I’m also putting together an email campaign, working on creating digital products and building Pinterest and YouTube accounts.

My goal has become a bit easier because I’ve focused on mastering prompting AI to deliver the best results more quickly.

Don’t Set Impossible Goals

That’s the trick. Goal setting for bloggers doesn’t mean setting impossible targets that leave you paralysed. It means being honest about your time, your energy, your intent, and your ability to get distracted by watching funny parrots on YouTube shorts (guilty).

So, instead of the goal to “grow my blog,” try:

• Publish one blog post a week for three months
• Update one old post every week.
• Batch three post outlines on Mondays.
• Learn to use AI tools to speed up mundane tasks.
• Create a content strategy that you’ll actually use.

Small, clear actions give your brain something to work with. They reduce decision fatigue and help you stay focused on what matters most: consistently publishing targeted blog content.

I still get overwhelmed sometimes, especially when juggling blog work with other projects. But knowing precisely what I need to do each week and why I’m doing it keeps me from spiralling into panic and subsequently doing nothing.

That said, writing blog content regularly isn’t the only thing that helps your blog grow. You could post daily, but if your site takes ten seconds to load, your bounce rate will be higher than your coffee budget.

Let’s talk about how fixing your blog’s foundations can make your goals possible.

Fix the Foundation First, Speed, Tech and Structure

Writing great content is key, but if your blog feels like a slow, creaky old jalopy, you won’t get far.

I learned this the hard way when my site speed suddenly plummeted, and I lost 200 keywords practically overnight. Google has zero tolerance for slow-loading pages, especially on mobile devices.

Shared Hosting vs Virtual Private Server (VPS)

I didn’t know my blog was on shared hosting. There was no mention of that when I started my blog.

What is shared hosting? It means you’re sharing space with other websites. It’s like living in an apartment with ten people and only one bathroom. What if everyone tries to use the bathroom at the same time? Suppose, even one website on the shared hosting receives a lot of traffic, it can slow down your site’s loading times.

If you want your blogging goals actually to pay off, you’ve got to fix the basics first. That means checking your theme, hosting, and overall site performance before obsessing over your next post.

For me, switching from shared hosting to a VPS is a no-brainer. It will make my blog faster and more reliable.

If you feel horrified at the thought of migrating files, don’t worry. Most companies offer a service where they do it for you. It’s costing me £100 + VAT, but it’s worth it.

Updating to a faster and cleaner WordPress theme will also help. My current theme is no longer supported by the company from which I purchased it. Bummer!

These are things that nobody talks about when you start a blog, but they become critical as your blog grows.

Here are some easy ways to get started:

• Utilise free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas precisely where your site’s speed and mobile usability require improvement.
• Consider upgrading your hosting if your current plan is slow. Avoid shared hosting.
• Keep your WordPress theme light and simple, and avoid bloated plugins that can drag down performance. Delete unused plugins.
• Back up your site before any significant changes so you don’t lose everything and have a mini meltdown. The free BackUpWP plugin now features automated daily backups.

Once your blog’s foundation is solid, all your goals, from publishing more posts to growing traffic, suddenly feel more achievable.

And speaking of goals that connect with your audience, have you considered how storytelling can boost your blog? Posting regularly is one thing, but making your readers care is something else entirely.

Let’s explore how adding storytelling to your blog posts can keep your readers hooked and coming back for more.

Add Structure to Your Creativity With Storytelling

Publishing blog posts regularly is great, but if your content feels like a jumble of facts and random thoughts, your readers will lose interest faster than you can say “bounce rate.”

That’s where storytelling comes in.

I used to write posts like a robot churning out information, and I wondered why I wasn’t getting sales. Then, I discovered how a simple storytelling framework could turn my blog into something people enjoyed reading and sharing.

Here’s a basic storytelling formula:

• Start with a hook that grabs attention — a question, a funny moment, or a relatable problem.
• Share a personal story or example to connect emotionally.
• Offer clear tips or advice that readers can use right away.
• Finish with a takeaway or call to action so readers feel inspired to do something.

If you want to build a connection with your readers, goal setting for bloggers must include storytelling elements. This structure makes writing easier and keeps your readers glued to the screen. They’ll feel like you’re chatting with them over a cup of coffee rather than lecturing from a dusty textbook.

Now, once your posts are engaging, you might want to think about how blogging can become more than just a hobby. How are you actually going to generate income?

Have you considered creating courses or digital products to grow your income? It’s easier than you think, and I’m working on it myself.

Plan Your Revenue Streams Early, Even If You’re Not There Yet

If you’re blogging with the dream of turning it into a profitable business, don’t wait until you have 100,000 page views to start thinking about income.

The best time to plan your revenue streams is yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.

For ages, I focused solely on publishing blog posts, hoping that traffic would magically turn into money. It didn’t. So, I started thinking ahead. What could I offer that would genuinely help my readers and generate income?

Here’s what I’m working on:

• A course for new bloggers to skip the chaos and get profitable faster.
• Digital products, such as templates and content planners.
• Publish books on different aspects of blogging on Amazon KDP.

By planning these things early, I’m giving myself a solid foundation to build passive income streams. Plus, knowing that a blog post could lead to a product or email opt-in keeps me more focused when I write.

You don’t have to launch everything at once. Just having a loose roadmap helps guide your decisions and keeps you from chasing every shiny blogging trend that pops up.

Now, speaking of systems, let’s talk about the one most bloggers (myself included) tend to avoid until it’s almost too late: building your email list.

Start The Email List, Even If You Feel Overwhelmed

The thing every blogger tells you to do from day one is to start an email list, which means most of us avoid it for at least a year. Or two. Or, in my case, longer than I care to admit.

Truth: your email list is one of the few things you own as a blogger. It’s also an income blueprint.

Algorithms change, and traffic can vanish overnight (It does!), but that little list of people who’ve said, “Yes, I want to hear more from you,” is gold.

Starting an email campaign doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve chosen Systeme.io because your first email campaign is free (up to 2,000 subscribers), it’s free to get started, and it’s easy for beginners.

If the idea of email sequences and automation makes your eyes glaze over, keep it simple:

• Create one valuable freebie that helps your audience solve a problem.
• Set up a welcome email to say hello and explain what you’re all about.
• Don’t launch straight out the gate by selling. Provide your subscribers with helpful information to build trust.
• Send one email a week, or even just twice a month, with blog updates or tips. Tell your readers what to expect.

That’s it. There is no need for a fancy funnel or complicated tagging system. Just start and let momentum take over. Oh, and utilise storytelling in your emails.

Once your list is growing, you’ll have a direct line to your readers, which is invaluable when you’re ready to launch a course, sell a product, or get feedback.

Now, let’s bring your blogging goals together into a rhythm that works for you.

Create a Sustainable Blogging Rhythm That Works

One week, you’re full of motivation, sipping oat milk lattes and planning your content calendar. The next, you’re staring blankly at your laptop while wondering if becoming a goat herder might be a better career move.

The solution is to stop hustling and get into a steady rhythm.

Here’s how I’m doing it this year:

• Writing three blog posts a week by batching outlines and content on different days.
• Using AI to brainstorm, draft outlines, ideas, etc.
• Scheduling weekly planning to review my goals, site traffic, and what’s working.
• Checking Pinterest statistics for top-performing pins and writing more of that content.
• I’m giving myself at least one day off from writing and checking analytics.

It’s not about being lazy. It’s about being strategic. Goal setting for bloggers isn’t just ticking boxes. It’s about creating a workflow you can keep up with, enabling you to stay consistent, inspired, and still excited to blog six months from now.

Let’s finish this off with a few reminders and a gentle nudge forward, yeah?

Final Thoughts and a Nudge in the Right Direction

Here’s the truth.  Goal setting for bloggers isn’t about big vision boards and ambitious to-do lists. It’s about building something you care about, one blog post, one small win, and one caffeine-fuelled brainstorm at a time.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

This year, I’m focusing on clarity over chaos. I’m creating content that serves one audience, finally setting up systems that support growth, and writing blog posts that feel like a conversation, not a chore. And I’m finally going to set up an email campaign! Please hold me to that!

You can do this too.

Start small. Pick one goal and make it ridiculously doable. Then, build from there. Whether it’s publishing one new post a week, finally sending that first email, or cleaning up your slow old site, just start.

And remember, you’ve got this. You’re building something real, one step at a time. In a year, think how far ahead you will be.

All of these finer details will be in my blogging course, which I hope to start as soon as I’ve published another course I’m writing.

Now, go write that blog post, set that tiny but mighty goal, and take a step forward. I’ll be cheering you on, likely from behind a laptop, surrounded by half-drunk cups of decaf coffee and 25 open tabs.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.