Joining an ad network is a great way to earn advertising revenue on your blog. I joined the BlogHer Ad Network last February, and I must say that it has been the best decision I’ve made to monetize my blog. I like BlogHer ads because I get paid based on the number of page views I get, not on the number of clicks on my ads. Actually, I can even click on my own ads, and BlogHer encourages me to do so to find out more about their advertisers. There are often ads for companies and free samples that I’m already blogging about, so I feel like these ads can function as a resource for my readers (and for me too). BlogHer has Special Offers which anyone can take advantage of and recently I won this one. I’m waiting to receive my create-your-own pop-up book from Creativity for Kids and am so excited to share it with my kids.
BlogHer doesn’t just show ads on my blog, they actively promote my content across other blogs in their network and even on iVillage. BlogHer is temporarily closed to new applications for their ad network, but you can sign-up here to find out when they will reopen. If you have any interest in joining the BlogHer Ad Network, then I strongly encourage you to follow that last link and get your name on their list. I recently heard from a fellow frugal blogger who was invited to join the BlogHer Ad Network recently, so it is possible that they may be extending a few invitations to those on their waiting list even before they reopen for new applications.
There are other ways that you can be active in the BlogHer community and possibly gain some free publicity for your blog. You can list your blog for free on the BlogHer Blogroll. You can actively participate in the lively discussions going on at BlogHer by reading and commenting. The BlogHer front page is a good place to start. Most bloggers have heard of the big annual BlogHer conference, but have you heard about the Blogger Reach-Out Tours happening this October in New Orleans, Boston, Chicago, DC, Nashville, Greensboro, and Atlanta? If you live near bye, you should seriously consider attending.
There are other ad networks out there, but BlogHer seems to be a popular one among women bloggers and is also more accessible to new blogs with smaller audiences. I want to tell you that you should never assume that you will not be accepted into an ad network, or assume that your blog has too small of an audience. Even if you don’t get accepted on your first try, you will learn a few things by going through the application process. And you can usually apply again at a later date. If you want some tips on how you can increase your chances of being accepted by any ad network, Pro-Blogger offers 8 tips here.
If you are a blogger, and you are a member of an ad network, please leave a comment so we can see what other ad networks are out there and what your experience has been with them.
I just recently became part of the Blogher network. I would appreciate any advice you can send my way.
I am excited as I was just today accepted to join BlogHer and am waiting for my special codes. My blog is not massively high in traffic but they accepted me – just letting others know that don’t think you aren’t well known enough to join. I am also in Australia, although the majority of my readers are from USA, so even us Aussies can get in on the action.Thanks!
I was recently accepted to BlogHer and I’m so excited! I’ve been trying to get on with this ad site for a year. I’d love any tips you have to offer a new BlogHer affiliate.
I’m in Blogher and Savvy Source for ad networks along with stuff like Amazon and occasionally Commission Junction. I don’t have huge traffic but signed up for BlogHer mainly for the feed exchange. Gotta get traffic somehow!My favorite thing these days is product reviews. I participate in several review programs on my review blog and am constantly getting free stuff! Nothing cooler than free stuff!I haven’t heard much about other networks but would love to hook up with some good ones!
Great ideas, Heather! I definitely think joining an ad network can be beneficial and the best part is that they do all the work for you and you can just collect the earnings (after plopping in the code). I tried selling ads on my own, but it was so much work and it took me away from the work I really needed to do.Great piece!