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My January Blog Income Report – $139,233

Last Updated: January 10, 2021 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner - 100 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Welcome to January’s business income report where I show you how I made money online last month. It’s time to look at this month’s update and see how I did.

If you’re new to Making Sense of Cents, you may be wondering why I would want to publish my income report each month. You can simply skip to the next section if you’re not new here.

This all started out as my extra income report because in the beginning, it was all about the money I was earning from my side jobs. In my side income reports from the beginning, I included all of the income I made except for what I made at my day job.

However, I left my day job as a financial analyst in October of 2013 and now my monthly income reports consist of the many ways I earn a living.

Many have asked why I would ever want to publicly post my income each month. Some think I’m crazy, whereas some are glad I’m open about what I’m doing. Whatever you think, I enjoy publishing my monthly online income reports and I share them publicly for three main reasons:

  1. Before I started blogging, I knew nothing about side hustling and making money online. I didn’t think side jobs were worth the effort and I thought the only way to significantly increase your income was through raises at your full-time job. If it weren’t for others publishing their monthly income reports, I don’t know if I would have ever tried side hustling. I want to help show others the positives in side hustling and how it can change a person’s life. There are many different ways to make money online, and I like to share my story each month to help motivate others to improve their financial situation by making more money.
  2. Secondly, I like to publish my income reports because it’s a way for me to look back, learn from my mistakes and actually see what areas need improvement. I use my monthly income reports as a way to track how I’ve done and I treat it sort of like a journal.
  3. Lastly, I like to show others that making side money is possible and that there are many legitimate ways to make money from your home. If you are looking for information on the many ways to make money online, I published the article Monthly Income Report Roundup that showcases many successful bloggers who are kind enough to share their income with the public each month.

I know I say this every month, but it’s the truth. Life is great now that I’m my own boss and a full-time blogger. I look forward to each and every day and it’s a wonderful feeling. I truly love waking up every single morning.

Above are just a few of the reasons for why I enjoy publishing my monthly income reports. I like to show others that you don’t have to hate your job and hate your life. You can make changes to your life and make money in a way that allows you to truly enjoy the life you are living. I’m not saying that you have to LOVE your job, I’m just saying that your job should, at least, allow you to do what you like to do outside of work (whether that be spending time with loved ones, painting, hiking, etc.).

 

How was business income in January of 2017?

I earned $139,233.11 blogging and online in January, before expenses.

This is my highest income month so far for my blogging business and it was a great month all around.

This was due to a few different things that happened and that I’ve been working on lately:

  • January is a great month for traffic for personal finance. Everyone wants to start the new year off by learning how to manage their financial situation better, which means that page views and visitors are always up. I received around 790,000 page views in January, which is the best month ever for Making Sense of Cents.
  • I had a feature in Forbes which generated over 50,000 new visitors to Making Sense of Cents (amazing!). This feature led to many new email subscribers, many great emails from new readers, and more.
  • I’m focusing on diversifying my income. In 2016, I finally created my first for-sale product, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. This helped me to diversify my business and try a new form of income. Now, my business income primarily consists of affiliate marketing, a product, sponsorships, and advertising, which is a mix that I’m very happy with. Also, I’m making a better effort at diversifying my affiliate income as well, so that I earn a larger share of income from different companies.
  • I’m focusing on my email list. I didn’t start taking my email list seriously until around April of 2016 when I switched to Convertkit. Convertkit makes sending an effective and efficient newsletter so much easier and better. I never really understood email marketing before, but ConvertKit makes it so easy and now I feel like I’m an expert! I now have around 40,000 email subscribers. One of my biggest blogging mistakes was waiting years to start my email list. If you don’t have one yet, you should start ASAP!
  • I’m spending more time on Facebook. I started 2016 with just around 6,500 Facebook followers and ended it with 38,000. At the end of January, I was already at 46,000. I owe a lot of that to the ebook Facebook Strategies Worth Sharing. Growing my Facebook page has allowed me to reach new readers, improve my blogging income, grow my email list, and more.

I’m very excited for 2017. I know it will be another great year! The business is doing well and I’m very happy with it. I’ve been catching myself saying “Life is really good” a LOT. And, I truly mean it. Life is really good!

My business is growing, income is increasing, I have tons of amazing ideas for 2017, and I am very excited about everything. I really love my business and I don’t know where I would be without it.

Anyway, January was another great month. It was great on all fronts – blogging, course-wise, life, and everything else.

My Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course is still doing very well and I had many new students join the course last month. I think a lot of this has to do with all of the amazing reviews that I’m hearing about my course such as:

  • One blogger went from $0 in Amazon affiliate income to over $1,500 after taking the course.
  • One blogger went from $87 a month in affiliate income before taking the course, to over $1,700 a month after!
  • One blogger received their first affiliate sale just two days after taking the course (and they were a brand new blogger too!).
  • Another blogger doubled their monthly affiliate income from $2,500 to $5,000.

Plus, I’ve heard and read many other great reviews about my course.

If you’re a blogger, I recommend checking out my blogging course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. I share my exact strategy and tips in this very informative online course. If you’re a blogger, then you need to check out this course.

If you are interested in starting a blog of your own, I created a tutorial that will help you start a blog of your own for cheap, starting at only $2.95 per month (this low price is only through my link) for blog hosting. In addition to the low pricing, you will receive a free website domain (a $15 value) through my Bluehost link if you purchase, at least, 12 months of blog hosting. FYI, if you are asking yourself “can you make money blogging?” – my top tip is to be self-hosted. This is essential if you want to monetize your blog as you will appear more professional and this will help you monetize your blog tremendously. My blogging income did not take off until after I switched to self-hosted WordPress.

Here is my blogging income chart that displays my income for the past 2 years.

This chart only goes back to May of 2015. You can find all of my income reports here.

Breakout of January 2017 income – $139,233.11:

In January of 2017, I earned $139,233.11 from my blog. Below is how my income breaks apart in the different blogging income categories:

  • Affiliate income – $69,878.11 total: 
    • Bluehost (check out my tutorial on how to start a blog) – $47,060.00
    • Survey companies – $14,098.50
    • MOTIF Investing – $1,472.00
    • SEO Training Course –  $1,207.80
    • How To Work From Home Selling On Amazon FBA – $1,161.50
    • Ebates – $1,000.00 (estimated as this is a tiered affiliate program)
    • Bookkeeper Business Academy – $740.75
    • How I Grew My Facebook Page From 2,000 to 100,000 in Five Months – $444.00
    • Izea/SponsoredTweets – $320.00
    • Make Money Proofreading By Becoming A Freelance Proofreader – $302.56
    • Personal Capital – $300.00
    • Uber – $240.00
    • $5 Meal Plan – $ 224.70
    • Digit – $195.00
    • Ibotta – $180.00
    • ConvertKit – $147.90
    • 30 Days Or Less To Freelance Writing Success – $124.80
    • Amazon – $121.60
    • 17 Strategies Used to Go From 17K to 350K+ Page Views in 9 Months – $70.00
    • Miscellaneous affiliates – $467.00
  • Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing Course – $49,078.00
  • Sponsorships and advertising- $17,000.00
  • Display advertising – $3,277.00

Total: $139,233.11

The income amount above is for the month of January and before any fees or expenses (some fees and expenses that lower the amount above total around $4,500 (rounded up), which include virtual assistants, Teachable course platform fee, technical assistance, newsletter expenses, PayPal fees, Stripe fees, etc., however, this does not include taxes) being taken out. I also had expenses for the affiliates promoting my course, which totaled $3,563.60. After expenses and fees, I made approximately $131,169.

Please keep in mind that I work for myself when you read my monthly income report. This means I have to cover taxes (which are over 30%), health insurance, and all other benefits/expenses that an employer may provide.

Check out The Ultimate Guide To Making Money Blogging for all of the different ways you can make money through a blog.

Below are some of my other monthly online income reports. I publish an online income update every month but only included some of them below as it would be a very long list. If you head on over to my income page you can find all of my monthly income reports from the past few years.

  • $672 extra in May (2012)
  • $6,523 in January Extra Income (2013)
  • $11,927 in October Income – I Finally Left My Job (2013)
  • $12,640 in January Income (2014)
  • $23,758 in February Income – My Monthly Online Income Report (2015)
  • How I Made $300,000 Online In 2015
  • How I Made $979,321 In 2016

 

Comparisons and 2017 online income total:

  • Total income in January of 2017: $139,233
  • Total income in December of 2016: $91,765
  • Difference from the previous month: +47,468
  • Total in 2017: $139,233

 

Blog news 

Making Sense of Cents is doing very well and I’m happy with everything.

In January, I started a small blog redesign. The designer has mainly changed the color theme and the logo for Making Sense of Cents and she’s currently working on a few other things. I wanted a more minimalist logo and design, so I am very pleased with how things turned out.

I had a HUGE feature last month in Forbes. You can read it at How This 27 Year Old Made Nearly $1,000,000 in 2016.

This brought a ton of new readers and I’m still extremely excited about this feature. I’m definitely ready to start 2017 out with a bang now!

I’m starting to guest post on other websites in order to promote my blog better and reach new readers. I think I’ve only guest posted once or twice ever since I started blogging in 2011, so this is something that I’m looking to change. I am going to try to guest post on someone else’s website at least once a month for the next year and see how that works out.

Overall, traffic increased significantly and I received around 790,000 page views. Pinterest traffic increased last month, and organic and Facebook traffic each increased as well. My traffic will go down in February, but that is expected since January is usually the best month for financial writers. That being said, my goal is to reach 1,000,000 monthly page views in 2017, so I will be spending a lot of my time trying to reach new readers.

Below are several business-related updates:

  • I released my How To Start A Blog FREE Course a few months ago. If you’ve been wanting to start a blog, then check this out. I created this email course for those who are interested in starting a blog, but haven’t done so yet. The course is free, and over 12,000 people have already signed up just in the past few months. Thank you to everyone who has sent me kind emails about how great the course is. I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner!
  • Due to how well my first free course went, in August I created the free Master Your Money email course. It’s full of great money management lessons and financial worksheets (such as a free budget template), and I’m loving the positive response from this email course as well.
  • I have plans for my third free email course and I will most likely put that together in March.
  • This month or next, I will hopefully be creating a free personal finance support group on Facebook. I’m extremely excited for this to be live! This would be a place where everyone can talk about money freely, seek support and help, and so on.

Also, I have received many questions recently about how I’m staying connected to the internet so that I can work and travel in my RV at the same time. I use a Verizon Mifi and I am able to stay connected pretty much anywhere with it. It really comes in handy because you can’t always trust free wifi. Sometimes free wifi is slow, hard to find, or not safe. I don’t know what I would do without this device!

Popular new posts on Making Sense of Cents last month:

  • Blogging Changed My Life – Could It Change Yours?
  • The Busy Person’s Guide On How To Be Healthy
  • 59 Things To Do Instead of Watching TV So That You Can Take Your Life Back
  • How I Paid Off $40,000 In Student Loans in 7 Months
  • 65 Ways To Make Extra Money in 2017
  • The Less You Own, The Less That Owns You
  • 45+ Ways To Live An Amazing Life Starting In 2017

 

Featured Question: What are easy affiliate programs for new bloggers?

I feature one question from a reader in each monthly income report. Please leave a comment below if you have a question that you would like me to answer. 

As a new blogger, you may be interested in affiliate marketing. However, many people believe that a blogger needs to have a lot of blog posts and a high amount of followers before they will be accepted into an affiliate program.

That isn’t true at all!

There are many affiliate programs that you may be able to join right when you start your blog. Some affiliate programs don’t have many requirements, such as traffic statistics or the age of the blog that is applying for the affiliate program.

Some of my favorite affiliate programs that you may want to look into trying out as a new blogger include (of course, this depends on your specific niche):

  • Amazon Associates – This is always the first affiliate program that I recommend a new blogger sign up for. This is because you can find nearly anything and everything for sale on Amazon, so there is probably something that you’d be able to promote on your blog from this affiliate program.
  • Awin – This is one of the largest affiliate networks in the world (with over 6,000 possible affiliate programs to join), so I’m sure any blogger could find something to promote.
  • Ebates – Anyone with an Ebates account can promote this service, so you don’t even need a blog. Ebates can be great for many niches, such as finance, parenting, lifestyle, travel, and more, as Ebates can be used for many different types of purchases.
  • Digit – Anyone with a Digit account can promote this service, so you don’t even need a blog. Digit is more for finance and parenting niches as it’s a savings app. You could use it for a travel blog as well and promote it to your readers as a way to save for a vacation.
  • MaxBounty – Maxbounty is an affiliate network, but you are paired with an affiliate manager who may be able to find some affiliate programs for you, even as a new blogger. Remember, if you succeed, then they do as well, so they want to help!
  • Shareasale – Shareasale is another affiliate network, and it’s one of my favorites. There are many, many companies that are listed within Shareasale and you can probably find at least a few companies within your niche that will allow you to promote their product, even as a brand new blogger.
  • Courses and ebooks – If there are any courses or ebooks that you took in preparation of launching your blog, then you may be able to sign up as an affiliate for those right away and start promoting them. After all, someone like you is exactly who potential buyers want to hear from on this specific product!

As you can see, there are many options for even brand new bloggers when it comes to affiliate marketing. Plus, by starting with these easy options, you can test your affiliate marketing skills and get the hang of affiliate marketing right from the very beginning with your blog.

Past featured questions:

  • How do I increase my affiliate income?
  • Do I need millions of page views a month in order to make money blogging?
  • How do you build websites up to sell them?
  • Do only celebrities make money through owning websites?
  • How much money can a person make blogging?
  • Where does blog income come from?
  • Is there enough room for new bloggers to make money?
  • What should a person blog about?
  • How can a blogger increase their page views?
  • Should my blog be self-hosted?
  • How should I launch a new blog?
  • What blogging tools or resources do you recommend?
  • What should you do when a blog post goes viral?
  • What is affiliate marketing?
  • What did I learn from launching my course?
  • What should you do when you’re feeling blogger burnout?
  • How can a blogging conference help me?
  • Why does a blogger need to have an email list?
  • How can I make more blogging income around the holidays?
  • Where do you get your photos from for your blog?

 

My plans for my blog and my business.

Plans and goals can help you to run a successful business. I believe that working towards a goal can help keep a person motivated too.

Below are some of the areas I am currently working on:

  • Earn $1,000,000 from my business in 2017. This is a brand new goal for the new year. Many of you have asked why I didn’t increase my goal to $2,000,000 for 2017 since I was so close to $1,000,000 in 2016 already. Well, the main reason for that is because my overall goal for the year is to have a better work-life balance, and instead earn more passive income from my blogging business.
  • Have a better work-life balance. This is my main goal for the year. While I have an okay work-life balance, I would like to be able to take a break from my blog without constantly checking my phone or laptop. I love my business, so that makes it hard for me to step away from it, even for just a few hours.
  • Get at least three months ahead on Making Sense of Cents posts. I am currently 2 months ahead in content. Before the end of the month (February 2017), I would like to be at least 3 months ahead in content. Being ahead in content makes life much more enjoyable because I can focus on other things knowing that the majority of my writing work is already done. We plan on visiting many new places this spring and summer, and we just booked a 2 week sailing trip, so I am trying to get as far ahead as I can in preparation for no internet (or really bad internet service).
  • Grow Making Sense of Cents to 1,000,000 monthly page views. I would love to help more readers, see even more engagement, have higher traffic, and so on. I love my blog and I would love to see it grow! I’m hoping to see at least 1,000,000 monthly page views by the end of 2017. In January, I saw 790,000 page views which was amazing and very motivating.
  • Start doing more live interviews, such as podcasts and webinars. I’m not as shy as I used to be, but living in an RV and not always having an internet or a reliable schedule makes podcasts and webinars are a little more difficult. I hope to find a way around that (perhaps planning out a better schedule?) and dedicate more time to this area.
  • Create one more product to sell. In 2016, I created Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, and that has completely changed my life and my business. I want to think about and create another product to sell in 2017 so that I can continue to diversify my income.
  • Promote the blog and business better. I am doing much better at promoting my blog and content, and I’m noticing an improvement. I started focusing more on improving my traffic from Facebook, and I’ve been very pleased with the results. I used to only see around 100 visits a day from Facebook, but for the past few months, I have been seeing around 2,000+ visits a day from Facebook.
  • Continue learning and improving. I currently have a few blog courses that I’m working through, such as one for Instagram and an SEO course that I’m finishing up.

 

Affiliate income results.

In January of 2017, I earned $69,878.11 in affiliate income, as outlined earlier in this blog income report.

I’m a very big fan of affiliate income, of course. It’s something that I enjoy due to how passive it can be. It makes full-time traveling much more enjoyable when I know I can bring in an income while having fun seeing new areas.

As I always say, blogging income is not dependent on page views. Even brand new bloggers can make money through affiliate marketing. If you know the correct way to promote a product, you can succeed at affiliate marketing. This is one of the main things I teach in my Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course.

My affiliate marketing course went live in July of 2016. I’ve already had over 1,400 people purchase the course, and I’d love to have you as a student too!

In Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, there are 6 modules, over 30 lessons, several worksheets, bonuses, an extremely helpful and exclusive Facebook group, and more. I go through everything that you need to know about affiliate marketing, such as:

  • A quick introduction to affiliate marketing and how it works
  • The benefits of affiliate marketing
  • The exact steps I’ve taken to earn over $400,000 from a single blog post
  • How to correctly pick affiliate products to promote
  • The steps to increase your conversion rate
  • How to build trust with your readers (this is a MUST!)
  • The required disclosures you need to know about
  • The major tool you need for affiliate marketing
  • The many different strategies to promote your affiliate links

My course is anything and everything about affiliate marketing. This course is perfect for you whether you are a new blogger or if you’ve been blogging for years, no matter what topic your blog is about, what country you live in, and so on. I wrote this course so that it would benefit everyone, and there is so much to learn from it.

How was January for you? Are you interested in earning blogging income?

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100 Comments
Filed Under: Blog, Business Income, Career, Extra Income Tagged With: Blog, Career, Extra Money, Self-employment

About Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Michelle is the founder of Making Sense of Cents, a blog about personal finance and traveling. She discusses how her business has evolved in her side income series. She paid off $40,000 in student loans by the age of 24 mainly due to her freelancing side hustles. Click here to learn more about starting a blog!

Comments

  1. Mustard Seed Money says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:35 am

    Awesome job Michelle!!! I am definitely trying to follow in your footsteps although I have to say that it’s coming along much slower. I have taken the course and am applying the principles that you have taught. Still waiting for my first sale but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Carrie Willard says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:51 am

    I love these monthly updates Michelle! You’re a rockstar and an inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing your progress with us.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Jason Butler says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:45 am

    Wow. Heck of a way to start 2017. I know you’re amped about that Forbes feature.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:20 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Holly says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:37 am

    Great job! Thanks for sharing how the Forbes article brought in traffic/readers. I wondering about the numbers on that.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Ryan @ Just Another Dollar says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:18 am

    This is so inspiring! As an accountant I love to see the constant improvement month over month. Way to go!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Brian says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:34 am

    Incredible Michelle! Continues success. I continue to hear great reviews on your course. I may just have to take it myself. 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Ashley | Spit Up and Sit Ups says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Another amazing income report. Loved the feature on Forbes. I hope you finally hit your views goal!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      I haven’t hit that goal yet but I think I will before the end of the year 🙂

      Reply
  8. Erica Holland says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:46 am

    I’m consistently inspired by you, Michelle. Loved your Forbes feature, too! Excited to continue following your journey!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Awesome and inspiring! I got your affiliate course but haven’t had the chance to go through it yet. I wish I knew about blogging before I had 2 little kids…there’s so little free time! =) But your story of students who have really increased their income after the course motivates me…I need to make time. So awesome that you have flexibility and freedom to travel and do things you love because of blogging. Living the dream!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you so much! You need to make time in your schedule to finish the course 🙂

      Reply
  10. Natalie @ NatalieBacon.com says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    Congrats on your highest earnings month!! I am hoping this is my highest earnings year! 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you! You can do it!

      Reply
  11. Julie @ Millennial Boss says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    Way to go, Michelle! You’re starting 2017 off with some serious fire! So glad to see you featured on Forbes. I actually sent the article to my parents and I’m like, “I’m taking her course!!” I know I have all the tools now to increase my blogging income too. Can’t wait to see what the rest of 2017 brings for all of us in the course!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      Aw thanks! 2017 will be a great year for you too!

      Reply
  12. Feng says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    Truly inspirational!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  13. luxurybackpacking | Emma says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Michelle this is amazing! You’re such an inspiration and made me really concentrate and focus on my travel blog! It’ll take me a long time to reach where you are, but even earning some money will be an achievement! And of course, Congratulations on being featured in Forbes, that is a massive achievement!! <3

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    Awesome job, Michelle!!! A sailing trip?! That sounds amazing!! Is it a guided trip or will it be just you and your husband?! I would love to do that haha! Keep up the great work – you’re a HUGE inspiration to me 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      It will be us and 3 other couples who are friends of ours. One of the couples used to live on a sailboat and they will be teaching us how to sail.

      Reply
  15. Marion says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Congratulations for your January 2017!! I’m very happy I found your blog and I’ll keep reading all your great advices! I’ll be soon one of your student 😉 You’re such an inspiring person, you’re doing an amazing job and I hope soon be able to do the same with my future blog!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you Marion!

      Reply
  16. The Financial Tech says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Awesome job for last month. These income report are really inspiring.

    Thanks for sharing your number 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  17. Marie Jackson says

    February 8, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Congratulations on a great month and the Forbes feature!! #goals

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:55 pm

      Thanks Marie!

      Reply
  18. Mrs. BITA says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    Congratulations on your highest earnings month ever and on your Forbes feature. I am fascinated by how you are constantly striving to improve and do better, instead of simply resting on your very substantial laurels.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  19. Brittany L Wise says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    Congratulations on a wonderful month! You’re such an inspiration. Thank you again for recommending the Strategies Worth Sharing! I am hoping to see a boost in Facebook traffic using her tips. 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      It’s a great ebook. You’ll love it!

      Reply
  20. Sylvia @Professional Girl on the Go says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Whoa! Great Job! I really enjoy reading your updates.. they are just so motivating! Can’t wait to see what February brings (I know it will be BIG!).

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  21. Mrs. Picky Pincher says

    February 8, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    Woop woop! Way to go with shattering your past income records. 🙂 I’m super excited because my birthday gift this month is your affiliate course, so I shall be signing up soon!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

    February 8, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Hena | Mending with Gold says

    February 8, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Michelle,
    I recently purchased your affiliate marketing course but didn’t open it thinking I’ll get back to it when I’ve settled with my new blog. This income report got me up from my bed and I’m off to work on my blog…
    Thank you!😘

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Finance Your Goals says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    Wow! Your income reports are always impressive (and slightly intimidating), but congratulations on a record high income month! It’s also encouraging to see you are still looking for ways to promote and grow your blog. I caught your guest post on retireby40.org – I think guest posting is a great way to reach new readers which some overlook (or perhaps discount).

    Do you mind sharing what SEO course(s) you are taking and if there are any new course you’ve taken you (SEO or other) you would recommend?

    Thanks for sharing your monthly income reports and best of luck reaching your $1M goal this year!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 8, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      Here’s the exact course I took for SEO – http://www.learntobloghangouts.com/product/accelerate-your-blog-bundle/ref/28/. Highly recommend!

      Reply
      • Finance Your Goals says

        February 8, 2017 at 10:17 pm

        Thank you – I’ll check it out!

        Reply
  25. Fabi I says

    February 9, 2017 at 2:34 am

    Wow, this is an incredible success! You are a true inspiration when it comes to blogging.
    I hope you can maintain a better work-life balance, I know the feeling when you love your job too much 😀
    Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Graham @ Reverse The Crush says

    February 9, 2017 at 6:58 am

    Amazing results, Michelle!
    790,000 page views and nearly $140,000 in one month from blogging is remarkable. Congratulations on the Forbes feature and all your success!
    Also, I really like some of the changes you’ve made to the blog. I love the minimalist look. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 11:24 am

      Thank you! I’m very happy with the new look as well 🙂

      Reply
  27. Kristin says

    February 9, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Oh wow, congrats! I’m trying to work hard on Facebook this year, as I’ve mostly been anti-FB forever haha. That’s crazy how much growth you’ve had in such a short time!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 11:24 am

      I used to be anti Facebook as well – it’s really been great though!

      Reply
  28. Alaya@Hope+Cents says

    February 9, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    Congrats Michelle! What an awesome way to start the year and a good indication that you will crush your 2017 goal for sure!

    Reply
  29. Finance For Geek says

    February 9, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Wow congrats Michelle! It seems like you’ve no limit and you’re always so resourceful.
    Enjoy the brand new year!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  30. lisa says

    February 9, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    Hi Michelle! I’m curious if you would recommend for a newbie to start with advertising right away? I personally don’t like ads very much, especially when they are inside posts and make people confused as to which link to click to get to the next page… you know? Is there an advertising platform that makes advertising easy? I’m thinking of passionfruit ads before they disappeared…

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      Yes, you can start with advertising right away. If you do it correctly, then it shouldn’t bother your readers anyways 🙂

      Reply
  31. Smart Provisions says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Great job, Michelle!

    Congratulations on your highest earning month! And if it keeps going this well, you’ll achieve your $1,000,000 income goal for 2017 before the end of the year!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 9, 2017 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  32. Penny @ pennyandrich.com says

    February 9, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    Thank you so much for doing this. I am a chart lover, and I love looking at all your charts. Plus, the rundown on your numbers is utterly fascinating to me. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  33. Emenike Emmanuel says

    February 11, 2017 at 7:29 am

    What?

    $139k in a month with just a blog one can handle from the comfort of their home? Oh my God! I need to amplify effort on my blog. Something needs to be done.

    Thanks Michelle for inspiring me today. I’m always happy to read your income report. It makes me excited to keep working harder and smarter. Please, don’t ever stop writing this. I so much appreciate you for doing this.

    I pray that God will give you more grace to hit $200k this month.

    Emenike Emmanuel
    CEO, Entrepreneur Business Blog

    Reply
  34. Lisa says

    February 12, 2017 at 8:02 am

    You are a true inspiration to us all😇 Thank you!!

    Reply
  35. Michelle says

    February 12, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    A) What do you do with that much money?

    B) Do you want to give me some? 😉

    Reply
  36. Liene G. says

    February 13, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    It’s so inspiring and unbelievable! I can’t imagine earning $500 per month and at the same time, you are doing so great!

    Reply
  37. Sarah says

    February 14, 2017 at 5:52 am

    Love your blog! I have started one of my own thanks to your inspiring articles. Check out my blog at getgoingfinance.com !

    Reply
  38. Amanda-LivingFullyandFree says

    February 14, 2017 at 5:58 am

    What a great way to start the year! I think this is truly fantastic and I like all the steps you are taking to continue to grow and diversify!

    Reply
  39. easydividend says

    February 14, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    Hey Michelle,

    I really like the new design! I think its a lot better than the older one.
    I have a short question: what actions did you take to increase your traffic trough facebook?

    nice income result, by the way 😉

    best regards from Austria,
    Chri

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 15, 2017 at 10:32 am

      I did what was taught in the ebook that I mentioned in this post. I don’t think it would be right if I shared those secrets when it’s supposed to be paid for.

      Reply
      • easydividend says

        February 18, 2017 at 3:41 am

        oh, i didnt realize that there is a link, sorry

        Reply
        • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

          February 18, 2017 at 3:24 pm

          No problem. It’s a long post 🙂

          Reply
  40. Janie says

    February 16, 2017 at 8:56 am

    You are amazing and inspiring in every way. I love to read your posts and especially income breakdown every month how exciting. It motivates me to overcome my fear of the unknown and try blogging (which I have no clue about) following your footsteps. Thanks Michelle for inspiring us all!

    Reply
  41. Paul says

    February 16, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Thank you Michelle for the motivation. A tinny fraction of this income was from ME! I started my own blog in January thorough one of your links. One of the best things we can do is support or fellow bloggers! I am starting slow working on content, and who knows maybe I will be back for one of your courses.

    Thank you for being honest and inspirational!

    Reply
  42. L says

    February 21, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Hello Michelle,

    I recently discovered your blog and just checked out your January income report, which is amazing! I just don’t understand how one can make $14,000 in survey companies in one month, how did you do that???

    Thanks and keep on being successful!

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      February 21, 2017 at 9:57 pm

      Hello! If you look at the income amounts again, you’ll see that it’s under “Affiliate income” which means that it’s referral income.

      Reply
  43. Derek says

    February 26, 2017 at 4:57 am

    Congrats on an amazing month. Great way to start the year off. Can’t wait to see next month’s which is right around the corner.

    Reply
  44. Bill says

    March 2, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Isn’t your site really an internet/Pinterest affiliate marketing website? Is it really a blog anymore…..most of your pins are about the money you make and no wonder people click the link….that’s how I got here.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      March 2, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      No, that isn’t correct at all. It’s definitely still a blog as I write blog posts 🙂

      Reply
  45. Bill says

    March 2, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    I respectfully disagree with you Michelle. The traffic you are getting to your site is hardly from traditional blogging. Your traffic comes mostly from 3 sources….referrals, search terms making sense, and Pinterest. I’m not knocking it….it’s brilliant and you must be pitching yourself because you have figured out affiliate marketing in a big way.

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      March 3, 2017 at 10:15 am

      Sorry Bill, I don’t think you understand what a blog is. This website is exactly what a blog is. Just because traffic comes from referrals, search terms or Pinterest doesn’t mean that it’s not a blog.

      Reply
  46. Mike says

    March 5, 2017 at 3:09 am

    Those are amazing results but undoubtedly a lot of hard work and effort has gone into creating such success. Well done!

    Reply
  47. Tania @ Larger Family Life says

    March 5, 2017 at 3:13 am

    Fantastic income results. You seem well on your way to reaching your goals!

    Reply
  48. Jordyn Collie says

    March 10, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    Hi, Michelle! I and my sister and law are new (baby;) bloggers, and my question is can you sign up with more than one affiliate network? Or do you need to pick one/stick with one? If so, which affiliate do you recommend more? MaxBounty or Sharesale? Hahaha, so many questions, but I hope you can get back to me! I love reading your blog, and it’s so encouraging that you post your monthly income…inspires me to work really hard on ours, and get at least a percentage of your amazing success!! Keep at it:)

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      March 11, 2017 at 9:47 am

      You can have as many as you’d like 🙂

      Reply
  49. Tracy says

    March 22, 2017 at 5:44 am

    I just signed up for your free course on starting a blog. I’m a SAHM , homeschooling four kids. I’ve always wanted to blog and I can never decide on a topic. I like so many things! How would I decide what direction to go?

    Reply
  50. Catia says

    March 23, 2017 at 4:48 am

    Hi
    This is an inspiring article specially for newbie to motivate yourself to keep blogging.
    Such a great article.
    Thank for sharing this wonderful article with us.

    Reply
  51. Claudia Freeman says

    March 24, 2017 at 2:43 am

    Hi Michelle!
    Thanks for creating this awesome blog! My name is Claudia and I am from South Africa. I heard about you through the Forbes feature. I feel inspired to also start a blog. All I want to say is keep up the good work!

    Reply
  52. Andy says

    May 17, 2017 at 4:46 am

    Hi Michelle

    Thanks for publishing … this is highly motivational to outline what can be achieved

    Can I just ask about your earnings from survey companies

    Are your earnings actually taking surveys or are they referalls/affiliate payments from survey companies as you refer new people

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      May 17, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      The survey income is listed under affiliate income if you take a second look 🙂

      Reply
  53. Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says

    June 12, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    You are such an inspiration, Michelle! I have your affiliate course bookmarked, I’ll enroll in that come July <3

    Reply
  54. Cosmo Morabbi says

    June 23, 2017 at 2:26 am

    Wow, just got to say I think you are successful because you are truly authentic. You busted your butt and are completely transparent, your writing style is extremely friendly as well and nothing comes off as pushy or salesy. Can you be my wife and I’s mentor? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Cosmo Morabbi says

      June 23, 2017 at 2:27 am

      BTW just bought your course. Will probably be done with it tomorrow.

      Reply
  55. Thomas says

    June 29, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    I wish I was anywhere near your income level!

    Reply
  56. Barry says

    March 11, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    I wish I could make crazy blog income like this!

    Reply
  57. Cara Manual says

    March 27, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    That’s so amazing, how can I be like you?

    Reply
  58. DNN says

    June 22, 2018 at 8:05 pm

    I admire your consistency and sharing blog income reports. I just created a new blogging income reports forum on DNN. Looking forward to sharing your blog income reports and learning from you. 🙂

    Reply
  59. Kimberly Bell says

    December 6, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Hi Michelle,
    I currently have a blog on blogspot and have had it since 2015…will switching to bluehost transfer my posts or will I have to start over from scratch?

    Reply
    • Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

      December 6, 2018 at 10:44 am

      You can transfer it.

      Reply
  60. Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says

    February 9, 2019 at 8:54 am

    I share my expenses in every income report.

    Reply

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Hello and welcome!
My name is Michelle and I'm the author/owner of Making Sense of Cents. Learning how to save money and make more money changed my life. It allowed me to pay off $40,000 in student loans, start my own business, and I now travel full-time.

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