eCommerce for Bloggers: How to Monetize Your Audience

If you've been blogging for a while and have gained an audience, you might be wondering, What's next? What can I do to make money from my blog?

It is estimated that about one-third of bloggers employ monetization strategies. Advertising and affiliate marketing are the most popular methods, however you could also add an eCommerce feature to your blog. This can be even more exciting and lucrative -- especially for creative or entrepreneurially-minded people -- and can help grow your reach.

Do you write about nutrition on your blog? Why not write a recipe eBook or offer cooking online classes, or offer memberships with exclusive benefits? This could be taken another step, and sell virtual consultations online or even physical items.

There's not a "one-size-fits-all" method this time, which is what is so fascinating about it.

How can bloggers make use of the power of eCommerce

In many cases, businesses that sell online create blogs to attract readers who are their intended customers. They use it as marketing strategy in order to increase the rankings of their website and build trust with those who are most likely to become customers.

If you're a blogger you've already mastered one of the most challenging issues in marketing eCommerce. You're a skilled writer and are receiving a following that has grown to respect your work as well as your views. No matter if you've been blogging 10 or one year, your audience already shows enthusiasm -- that's half the fight.

What products can bloggers offer?

Here are some ideas to monetize your blog:

• Make money selling eBooks or guides. This is an excellent opportunity to increase the value of your biggest asset -- your content! What are your most popular posts? How can you incorporate them into a comprehensive informational guide? For example, if you're a woodworker, you could get the inspiration of your top 10 articles and develop "The Beginners ' Guide to Woodworking," featuring a wealth of new images, examples, FAQs and other information. Make something useful for the people who already enjoy your content, and they'll support you.
• Give the ability to join online community and forums. Your readers will have the opportunity to interact with one another, ask questions, and really build an online community for your business. Consider this as your own personal social media site, but with more control and flexibility. If you blog about raising toddlers, for instance, you could open up an online forum for parents who follow you. They can post suggestions for summer activities as well as school lunches, learn from the experiences of others, and even have an opportunity to interact directly with the parents you have!
• Sell consultations or online classes. Once you've cultivated a loyal, interested following, many of them would be willing to purchase a more deep dive into your field of specialization. For instance, you could offer photography training courses, for instance, or personalized workout consultations.

How can you integrate an online store on your blog

Are you ready to begin? Let's look at how to add an eCommerce store to your website. If you're already using WordPress You're just one step ahead!

1. Decide what to sell (and the best way to present it)

We've looked at a variety of ideas for making money with your blog -- now it's time to decide the right fit for you! This will, of course influence all choices you take from this point on out.

The first thing to do is think about your specific audience. What will they find most beneficial and what should they be most interested in paying for? Consider the types of media they use and the products they use already. You may even want to connect with the people on social media, or email your list with a survey to find out their thoughts direct.

If you choose to take tips, create an online group, develop online coursesor other digital products then you don't need to think about issues such as inventory or shipping. You will, however, be required to determine which equipment you'll require. For example, if you're planning to build online courses, you could make use of a software such as Sensei LMS and build the courses and deliver them for your pupils.

However, if you're selling physical products, you must be able to determine how you'll get them in the hands of your clients. You don't always have to handle inventory and shipping your own, however. Here are two excellent options for bloggers:

2. Install

Additionally, you'll be able to build and manage your store with the same dashboard and processes you're used to.

To install :

1. Go to Plugins - Add Newin to your WordPress dashboard
2. Search forfor ""
3. Simply click Install Now to activate

3. Create items

It's similar to how you create blog content. This process is different based on the type of product you're selling. Here are a few instances, with links to specific instructions to each:

4. Connect a payment gateway

5. Set up shipping

If you're sending physical items, you'll need to decide what you'll charge delivery and the processes for shipping products. Are you looking to provide free delivery or charge a charge? Would you like to ship packages via USPS, FedEx, or any other service? What is the cost to ship each product?

6. Extensions can be added

Here are a just some great extensions that bloggers can use to bloggers:

These are only a few of the options available! The extensions marketplace has tons of useful tools to assist in everything from marketing and designing to collecting payments.

7. Spread the word!

After you've established your online shop, you'll need to promote your shop to people around you. The good news is that you don't need to become a salesperson to do this. You shouldn't even need it! Make a blog announcement of your new services and talking about how thrilled you are. Show behind-the-scenes pictures of the process. Make an announcement on your email list.

However, in general you'll want to make your store available to your readers who are loyal and casually mention things that naturally make sense in the content. Add a link to your footer for donations or write a post about your coming adventure, and invite for donations if people would want to get involved. Include a picture of you wearing one of your t-shirts or write a short story about an exciting person who has just signed up to your club. You don't want to push business at the expense of the things that have brought you success so far Your great content!

Are you ready to take the exciting journey and get into all the possibilities of blogging and eCommerce? Begin right now!