Earlier this year, I decided to start blogging again.
Not just for myself.
I wanted to create a blog that could help other people. So, I began sharing my knowledge about working online, travelling and growing a blog.
And if you told me six months ago that I would be able to turn this blog into an online business and make $5,000 by the end of the year – I wouldn’t believe you.
But it happened.
Each month, I’ve been sharing my income reports online in hopes of inspiring someone else to start their own blog and turn it into a profitable business.
If that sounds like something you want to do, sign up for my free email course above. You’ll also get instant access to my exclusive content library.
Or, just keep on reading to learn all about how I made money blogging last month. I’ll also share my accomplishments, traffic and expenses.
Let’s jump in!
DECEMBER 2017 BLOG INCOME REPORT
This post contains affiliate links, to find out more information, please read my disclaimer. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.
Accomplishments in December
Even though I ended up going offline for nearly an entire week in December (mental health always comes first my friends), I still managed to tick off a few of my year-end goals.
→ Began Offering Blog Coaching Packages
Just a few days ago, my brand new Work with Me page went live! I am now offering a variety of services including blog audits, coaching calls, email support and freelance writing. There is even a fancy VIP Coaching Package!
→ Started Going Live in My Facebook Group
In attempt to make more meaningful connections with the members of my Facebook group called The Blog Nest, I started a new live series! I like to call it Mondays with Maya. Every Monday, I talk share blogging tips and answer any questions that were asked in the group.
→ Scored My First Travel Sponsorship
During my recent trip to Paris, I was fortunate enough to work with the Official Visitors’ Bureau! They provided me with two four-day public transport passes and two boat cruise tickets. Read this post to learn more about landing sponsored post opportunities.
Traffic in December
I ended the month of December with 7,800+ pageviews.
Half of this traffic actually came from Pinterest alone. And if you want to learn about my Pinterest strategy and create one yourself, read my full tutorial here. The rest of my traffic came from a combination of search engines, social media and referrals from other websites.
My three most popular blog posts in December were:
Income Report for December
Affiliate Commissions:
- Bluehost: $255 | Three people purchased a blog hosting plan.
- Career in the Making eBook: $27.50 | Three people bought Krista’s ebook (which is a great resource on turning your blog into a full-time job) using my link.
- Convertkit: $8.90 | After claiming a 14-day free trial through my referral link, one person decided to stick with Convertkit for their email marketing.
- Fiverr: $15 | One person purchased a “gig” on this low-cost service site.
- Linqia: $10 | Two people signed up for this free influencer program using my link. One of them has already landed her first sponsorship!
- Siteground: $150 | Three people purchased a blog hosting plan from Siteground after reading my post on switching to Siteground.
- Studiopress: $21 | One person purchased a blog theme and the Genesis framework from Studiopress after learning about it my best themes for WordPress post.
- Swagbucks: $4.40 | Two people decided to start a new side hustle last month and signed up for this free site using my link.
- Tailwind: $1.50 + $15 credit | Three people signed up for a free trial of Tailwind and one person purchased an annual plan using my link.
- TrustedHousesitters: $0.50 | One person signed up for more information about this housesitting website through my link.
Other Income:
- Adsense: $24.23
- Blog Coaching & Writing Services: $225
- Sponsored Post: $80
As mentioned earlier, I also received two public transport passes and two boat cruise passes during my recent trip to Paris. That alone had a value of around $120. But, I did not include this in my total income amount.
Total Income: $823.03
Which for my fellow Canadians, works out to be $1035 CAD.
Expense Report for December
- G Suite: $5 | This online set of productivity tools helps me stay organized and work with other bloggers and companies. Paid monthly.
- KWFinder: $30 | This keyword finding tool helps me optimize my content for search engines and track my rankings. Prepaid for an annual membership.
- One Hour Content Plan: $3.68 | This ebook by one of my favourite bloggers, Meera Kothand, has proved to be an incredible resource for planning blog posts!
- Siteground: $4.55 | Decided to switch to Siteground about a month ago and have absolutely no complaints. Prepaid for an annual plan.
- Tailwind: $10 | This tool helps me automate my Pinterest account and schedule my pins weeks in advance. Prepaid for an annual plan.
Total Expenses: $53.23
Goals for January & Beyond
There are sooo many things that I want to accomplish with this blog next year. But, there are a few things that I’m going to focus on in January.
→ Start Writing my eBook
In December, I finished the outline for my upcoming eBook! I haven’t quite decided on a title yet, but this eBook is going to be aimed at helping other bloggers grow their traffic. It will cover everything from building an audience, to conquering social media and mastering search engines. I am super excited to get the ball rolling with this!
→ Collaborate with Other Bloggers
I really want to get more involved with the blogging community. And I think a great way to do that will be to collaborate with other bloggers! Next month, I want to try doing a blog-post exchange or maybe something even bigger.
→ Hit my first $1000 Month
For the past several months, my blogging income has consistently fluctuated between $700 and $900. That alone makes me proud. But, we all have to push ourselves, right? So, I am going to work hard at hitting my first $1000 month next year!
Final Notes
Thanks for reading my December 2017 Income Report! I hope you stick around to see some of the great content I have lined up for January, like a guide about how to make money online and a roundup of the best blogs about blogging!
Got any questions?
I’m here to answer them! Let’s talk in the comments below.
18 Comments
Antionette Blake
Congratulations and continued success in the new year.
January 1, 2018 at 22:43Maya
Thanks so much Antionette! 🙂
January 2, 2018 at 00:27Echo
Great post. It definitely helps to keep a person motivated. It’s a new year and seeing that it is possible helps me want to stay focused.
January 2, 2018 at 02:47Maya
That means a lot, thanks Echo! I hope that 2018 is a great year for you blog. All the best! 🙂
January 2, 2018 at 11:15Kimberly
Wow! Congrats. That’s an awesome accomplishment. Best of wishes to hitting your 1k goal!
January 2, 2018 at 02:50Maya
Thanks Kimberly! Fingers crossed… 😉
January 2, 2018 at 11:15Justin
Happy to hear you are finding success online Maya. If you ever want to get deeper into the SEO side of things let me know 🙂
January 2, 2018 at 19:47Maya
Thanks Justin! That means a lot coming from you. And I will certainly keep you in mind! 🙂
January 2, 2018 at 22:58Christiana
Congratulations to you. I’m inspired. I actually made my first earnings last year between Nov and Dec and it was about $134. After reading this I believe I can do more and that it can get better..
January 2, 2018 at 21:15Maya
Thanks so much Christiana! 🙂 Congratulations on your first earnings. That is SO awesome. Hope to see big things coming from you this year girl!
January 2, 2018 at 22:59Divorced Millennial
Congratulations! I hope to be this successful this year. 😀
January 2, 2018 at 21:33Maya
YES! Cheers to 2018 being a successful year for us all! 🙂
January 2, 2018 at 23:00Andrea
Very inspiring, Maya! I’m really hoping to start making some consistent blog income in this first quarter. Fingers crossed! Gotta start travelling ASAP. This cold Canadian winter is just not doing it for me anymore. Thank you being open and willing to share your income with us!
January 2, 2018 at 23:47xo,
Andrea @ hustleandhearts.com
Maya
Thanks so much for reading Andrea! 🙂
Your writing is fantastic and I have no doubt that you’ll be able to bring in a steady income this year. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for your blog!
And tell me about it. I just came back to Southern Ontario yesterday and I am NOT happy about these temperatures…
January 3, 2018 at 00:36Angella
Thanks for your post.
January 3, 2018 at 00:34It shows that it possible to earn an
online income from a blog. Your story is so inspirational. Your on your way now.
Maya
Thanks so much for the kind words Angella! That means a lot.
January 3, 2018 at 00:37Jodi
Thanks for showing us HOW you do it! Happy 2018 and many blessings to you! I’m a follower for life, Maya! You are such an inspiration 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you come up with this year…whatever it is, it will be amaaazing!
January 4, 2018 at 14:12Deepak
Thanks, Maya. Your blog is so good and this post is really informative and will prove to be inspirational. Thanks!
January 6, 2018 at 07:21