WordPress blogs can be a great source of income. But they also require work if you want them to earn money. You need to perfect your content, optimize your site, and market your product. But what if your blog still isn’t profitable? There are many reasons why this might be the case. In this blog, we’ll discuss eleven reasons, plus the changes you can make to get the dough rolling in. So, read on!
1. Your target audience is too broad
The best blogs cater to a narrow niche group. If you are aiming wide, you’ll have a harder time convincing visitors to come back for something only you can offer. To hone in, try creating a detailed profile of your ideal customer (their worries, age, hometown, family details, favorite social sites) and tailor your content to fit. Your blog will be more focused and easier to understand at a glance.
2. Your content is self-centered
Much like a bad date, if you only talk about yourself — your business, your news, your products — no one will care enough to sign up for more. So take the spotlight off yourself! And focus on why your readers should care. For example, you can discuss the advantages for them when they subscribe to your blog or service. Your readers will feel like they’re reading something that’s actually written for them.
3. Nothing is for sale
Unless you’re getting a huge stream of traffic or attracting high-paying advertisers, you’re not going to earn enough from ad revenue alone. So it’s better to focus on what your blog can do. Imagine your WordPress blog as a springboard for selling your other products and services: tutorials, speaking gigs, consultations, eBooks, courses, and more. You want to monetize your blog in a way that makes sense for your audience and content. For example, if you’re a DIYer, sell handmade crafts or kits. If your blog is about sewing, sell patterns. If you post about being a music teacher, sell curriculums or lessons.
4. The push to buy comes too soon
Is your landing page one giant ad for your product? Then you might be deterring potential customers. After all, they need to be convinced that you’re an expert with a solid product or service before they’ll even think about pulling out the credit card. So focus a little less on pushing your readers to buy, and more on creating original, clever, and click-worthy content. You want to offer your potential customers a chance to read more about your expertise as a brand before neatly directing them to your product page.
5. You aren’t asking for the buy
We just explained that you shouldn’t push your customers to buy your product, but the opposite can also be detrimental for your sales! If you want your visitors to make a purchase or subscribe, you should make it easy for them. Don’t beat around the bush. Give every post a clear call to action (button). And don’t be afraid to make it a little enticing. You could convince them with a sale that ends tomorrow, or a deal for the first 50 subscribers, along with a confidence-boosting trial period or guarantee. This will put a little time-pressure on your visitors not to wait too long until they purchase!
6. Your content doesn’t engage
You need to make sure your customers return to your website and blog. How? By creating content that draws them in. Tell stories, share experiences, and give original advice. Craft blog posts that offer something new — don’t rehash an article from someone else’s blog post. It’s fine to write a response to someone else’s post, but make sure you offer a new angle. Something only you can add to the conversation! And finally: never stop learning. Keep your content fresh by increasing your expertise and then sharing this with your audience.
7. Your blog isn’t getting enough traffic
Your blog has ads and affiliate links in place, a product ready to sell, and killer content. Now you just need people to see it. There are multiple ways to build traffic, from SEO to social media, so research what is best suited to your business plan. And always evaluate after you’ve implemented a new tactic!
Need new ideas on how to boost your traffic? We recommend this useful article.
8. You rely on your gut
While you might have great instincts, it’s good to focus on the facts. That’s why you should always test before trying out something new and making permanent changes. And who better to test a new feature, placement or call to action on than your customers? They’re the ones you’re blogging for, after all. For example, you coud run an A/B test, which optimizes your website’s potential. But more importantly: It takes the guesswork out of catering to your customers.
9. Your blog is a one-trick pony
Once a customer makes that first purchase, chances are great they’ll buy again. But if you have nothing else to offer, you’re losing out. It’s key to draw customers back after that first buy. So brainstorm (with your team) about new and exciting products or services you can offer your customers. For example, more advanced tutorials, one-on-one consultations to supplement your online course, or additional content in a new format, like a podcast.
10. You don’t post reviews
While some people are trendsetters, most of us are followers. Meaning: we don’t want to be the first to take the plunge. So, how do you convince your readers? By posting product reviews! Assure your audience that “everyone is doing it” with spotlights on who’s using your product and how. Especially short videos work really well for this.
11. You gave up too soon
We know it’s hard work to transforming your blog from hobby to cash cow. And it can be disheartening when it’s been a year and you still haven’t seen much progress. But don’t give up. You need to give yourself time to learn your audience, fine-tune your voice, and perfect your product. Just keep an eye on the numbers and, more importantly, your audience’s response to your blog. And if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new!
Final thoughts
To recap: there are many reasons why your blog might not be profitable now. That’s why it’s good to reassess what you’re doing, and if there are things you can change or try out. And remember to always think of your readers first. You write content for them. And you want them to return. So don’t be afraid to ask them for feedback! And don’t give up. After all, running a successful blog takes a lot of work.
