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Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

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Re: Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

#11

Post by criley2 »

jwr wrote: post #3

I don't! I long for the early days of the Internet, when you published because you wanted to, and things didn't have to be "monetized". Yes, you do have to make a living, but let's be honest: you won't make a living "monetizing" a tech blog anyway.

I long for the days of the pre-internet where everyone agreed writing was worth paying for.

The worst thing the internet had done to society is convince us that writing isn't worth paying for.

The amount of writers (journalists, novelists, etc) who have abandoned the profession these past 30 years is heartbreaking. But just as every newspaper and magazine has learned: the internet means writing is free.

Re: Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

#12

Post by greyman »

dools wrote: post #9

Monetising content happens in a handful of ways: 1) ads on the site or via email 2) subscriptions 3) build a rep via the blog then sell high value consulting and/or build an agency around it 4) affiliate links or lead generation I think that’s all there is. So the list of possible options is pretty small. One thing I will say is that whatever you think you might do, start building an email list today.

I agree with your points, but would add that point 2 is not that suitable for one-person operation. I work in subscriptions business and while it is profitable, it requires quite a lot of people to take off. IT technologies, then editorial needs to be big enough, then marketing is also important, then the subscribers expect there is also a helpdesk, since something will surely stop working...

Re: Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

#17

Post by mjd »

jwr wrote: post #3

I don't! I long for the early days of the Internet, when you published because you wanted to, and things didn't have to be "monetized". Yes, you do have to make a living, but let's be honest: you won't make a living "monetizing" a tech blog anyway.

As a longtime and successful tech blogger, I endorse this position.

The tech blog is primarily for personal growth and may also help get you a good reputation.

The personal growth is the important part. The blog gives you practice thinking about things and writing them down. It extends your memory by building an archive of your ideas. And it is fun.

The reputation part may help you attract better job offers.

Several people have suggested writing a book. Having done this, I will say: Do not do it for the money.

Re: Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

#18

Post by [deleted] »

criley2 wrote: post #11
jwr wrote: post #3

I don't! I long for the early days of the Internet, when you published because you wanted to, and things didn't have to be "monetized". Yes, you do have to make a living, but let's be honest: you won't make a living "monetizing" a tech blog anyway.

I long for the days of the pre-internet where everyone agreed writing was worth paying for. The worst thing the internet had done to society is convince us that writing isn't worth paying for. The amount of writers (journalists, novelists, etc) who have abandoned the profession these past 30 years is heartbreaking. But just as every newspaper and magazine has learned: the internet means writing is free.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: How to you monetize a tech blog?

#19

Post by wil421 »

criley2 wrote: post #11
jwr wrote: post #3

I don't! I long for the early days of the Internet, when you published because you wanted to, and things didn't have to be "monetized". Yes, you do have to make a living, but let's be honest: you won't make a living "monetizing" a tech blog anyway.

I long for the days of the pre-internet where everyone agreed writing was worth paying for. The worst thing the internet had done to society is convince us that writing isn't worth paying for. The amount of writers (journalists, novelists, etc) who have abandoned the profession these past 30 years is heartbreaking. But just as every newspaper and magazine has learned: the internet means writing is free.

The old internet was full of hobbyists and passionate people who wanted to share their knowledge. There’s nothing wrong with paying for a real news outlet with real journalists, I pay for PBS.

Everyone is trying to make a buck and it’s harder to find passionate blogs that aren’t gaming Google’s SEO to show 100 ads. Even with woodworking or gardening I found everyone wants you to buy their videos, plans, or swag.

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