Is It Profitable To Blog? a DIY Blogging Budget!

As I’ve become more aware of my blogging and the time I’m putting to it, I started thinking about my blogging expending costs. The next day, as if somebody was reading my mind :/, I found an article about it online and decided it was time for this Frugalista to share her own views on this much forgotten topic!

As a blogger, these are some of the things I think we need, and we must make a budget for:

1. A Smartphone: Regardless If you’re an Iphone, BB or Droid kinda blogger, you need a smartphone! In this social media world where things can be updated in a second, is important to keep your readers update on what’s going on. In addition, is beneficial if you’re able to share your content on social platforms that could potentially broaden your audience. 🙂

2. A Computer/Tablet: Despite of what we all, I include myself, might what to think, there are things that Can’t be done through a phone. As much as I love blogging from my WordPress App, there are times that the pictures need to be adjusted or the content need to be fixed. Besides, not everybody can be on their phones all the time, and if you have readers that often use PCs, you want to make sure your posts look as good there as they do on the mobile version. 🙂

3. A Camera: I believe, for a fashion, travel or beauty blogger that’s a must. Now, not everybody needs a camera because some people blog from Polyvore or take images from google (hence the need for a PC), or use pics taken from their phone (like I do sometimes). However, the shots taken with a good camera will def make your content look more professional (tip to self!). 🙂

4. Internet: Wether Wi-Fi (bought or borrowed from the neighbor LOL), Broadband or Phone Data you need access to the web. When I moved, I couldn’t get the service right away and having to rely solely on my phone data was def a pain! It comes out cheaper to have the monthly service, or a neighbor that does, than going to starbucks or McD every day. 🙂

5. GAS/TRANSPORTATION: In a city like Miami you are nothing without a car or a good ride! The distances and the traffic here are insane. You can spend from 3+ hrs on travel time, going to and from a place.
In reality, you need to pay for gas or transportation (bus, ride, metro) to buy all those things you need for blogging and to go to events related to your blogging topic; also, if you need to attend business meetings in order to find ways to monetize your blog, get the word out about your services or simply just to network with potential clients or readers.

For Fashion Bloggers, to be able to buy or find clothes for outfits, and do research about the new trends or go-to stores, means of transportation is a must. As a blogger mom, this is my major issue because it implies leaving my children for longer periods of hours. Counting the about 3+hrs travel time to and from a place, the money on gas, and if you don’t have help, the money for a nanny, that could be the breaking the piggy bank reason. 🙂

6. Domain: Eventually, if you are really serious about your blogging, you have to get a domain! If you want to use your blog as a platform to show your skills or you are simply tired of typing the extra words (.wordpress/.blogspot, etc), getting a domain will make your life easier and your blog look more professional. 🙂

7. Business Cards: C’mon! they save trees, ink and time!! B.C are no brainers because we all want to look like Pros, network showing we know what we are doing, and besides give ourselves a little title! Which better excuse to do so than by getting customized business cards. I learned that all you need is an hour and a Staples and you are set! Getting a design made is awesome but it could get really expensive; so, just get an original background, an appropriate font and color scheme, and call it a day!!

Personally, although there are ways to gain money or goods from blogging, my mission has always been altruistic. I am aware that writing and blogging is not a really profitable path; however, is a very enriching one. The difference been that you might not make a dollar from it but, as my experience has taught me, you would for certain create bonds and relationships that might last you a lifetime, and that my blogger friends is Priceless!! 🙂

What Are Your Blogging Must-Haves? Share Your Blogging Spending Experience!
Remember: It’s Always a Matter of Class Not Cash!!

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DTHF♥

44 thoughts on “Is It Profitable To Blog? a DIY Blogging Budget!”

  1. Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

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  3. I have to say, I am not doing a lot of what is on your list. But a lot of that is because I started out in fashion as a fashion stylist and writer and so I bought the domain name for my http://www.bikijohn.com, an expensive leather portfolio and I have business cards etc. I also invested a lot of my money at the beginning of my career on doing shoots and writing for free to build a portfolio etc.
    8 years on, I am hesitant on investing too much into blogging so I’m in a bit of a chicken and egg/ cart and horse situation. This blogging time around, I am willing to put the time to conceive good (I hope!) posts, I have a camera, PC etc. But I want to see more come from my blog before I buy business cards, a Smartphone, domain name etc.
    The arguement could be- well you have to be in it to win it, i.e I do need to invest in all the bells and whistles, but for now I am going to hold out on that till I see I am getting enough of a response from the audience based on my pics and regular editorial content….

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  5. Thank you for all your wonderful information. I was able to get 500 professional quality business cards in a my chosen design for only $9.99 at Vistaprint.com. They also offer all kinds of promotional needs at a very low price. You may want to check them out. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

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  6. I wonder how I missed this one? i totally agree however I no longer have a smart phone, in which i totally miss, but my must haves are, Nikon, ipad, iMac, ibook, iPhoto, new clothes, my OOTD posts especially now that I am a fashion blogger for Sugarlips apparel (1st post coming shortly) and a variety of posts to attract different readers and engaging other bloggers by not only liking their posts but commenting! Now what did you think of my Novah Me post because Im awaiting that blue punch bag!

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    1. I loved beth!! shes a beauty! I do agree with you that engaging is important and commenting is a great way to show interest. Im grateful people even Like my posts! thats more than enough for me and it def makes my day!
      So thank you again for been here my dear Jeni! thats why I added you to my post of inspiring blogs! 🙂

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  7. I totally know what your talking about! It’s definitely not a profitable path…I’ve got and iPhone and ipad that I use when I’m out and about so I can post, comment and such. I’ve been using my Cannon camera for taking pictures but I do get lazy sometimes and use my phone which is always with me. This post is great! It’s something that I’ve been thinking about from time to time when I started blogging. And to update and keep up with my blog does take quite a bit of time out of my day but it’s nice to share things with such fabulous people. And it’s a great way to meet some new people 🙂

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    1. youre right, its awesome to share but it does take a lot of time. I love to keep up with everybody and anyone who visits or comments. Im not demanding, meaning like if ppl dont comment I get upset. Just the fact that somebody takes the time to even Like my post thats more than enough for me!
      Xoxo

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      1. Same here~ I love it when someone just likes a post that I’ve put up. It’s such a nice feeling to know that people are taking the time to check out my posts. I love keeping up with everyone who looks into my blog and try to reply to the comments 🙂
        xoxo

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      2. yeah me too!! I reply to all comments, sometimes not right away, but I also try to leave comments back. It takes a bit of time but I don’t want people feeling like I don’t care when I actually do. Like I always say: If I click LIKE is bc I read it, liked it and wanted to let you know! 🙂

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  8. I agree, those are the fundamental tools you need. Doesn’t matter if they are expensive tools or cheap, its the user and breaking the boundaries of creativity. I am only using a $500 Olympus camera and a $30 lightbox tent for all my product shots. And for the record, we are living in a 6 sq meter room with no kitchen, no attach toilet. Sitting on floors, creating and beading. In a couple of weeks, we will break free from this place for the past 2 years!! Ok, end of my rant.

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    1. please my dear Jeannie!! keep on ranting!! whats going on? are you moving places?
      Its been so crazy (in case you havent seen my latest post) that I havent had time to catch up with everyone, but Im on it!! 🙂

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  9. this is a serious food for thought post! …..and i swear you’ve read my mind on this entire topic! I have a bb that is slowly dying and I have to get a new one, i feel so lost! and i recently purchased a new camera ! <3. staying on top of every social media app, is so important, this I have realized as a new blogger….

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    1. Yes! Its a must! you gotta connect with people and put your content out there to be shared. I tell you the iphones are really good. Their cam has a flash and the quality is good. I have a Droid and is sucky and I know BBs are super complicated when it comes to long write-ups.
      Glad you liked it!! 🙂

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  10. Great Post! Love it! I have everything on the list, except for a pro-camera, instead I have my new HTC cell phone that gets amazing pics and have Instagram to help myself with the look of every pic. Thanks for the post!

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    1. Hello Aleja!
      Awesome that you got your phone! that helps a lot! I have a Droid and it sucks so I must change it!
      Im glad you like the post! Which cameras were you considering? Did you do any research? 🙂

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      1. Honestly I don’t know too much about cameras, as I told you, I’m just taking simple pics with my Cell phone, but I like the quality of the image so far. But, yes, I would like a professional one in a future, haven’t do any research yet.

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  11. You touch on a lot of great points with this. I too have never been about the money and more about the experience I genuinely like writing and talking about things that I really enjoy with others that have similar interests. I really should look into getting some business cards made tho those really would help make life a lot easier when it comes to events and things.

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    1. Def Ash! BC have made my lofe easier and have made me look more professional. I think the tricky part is how to describe yourself? blogger, fashion & beauty blogger…? LMK what you come up with!

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    1. yes, the basics! it all depends of where do people see their blogging going and the type of blog as well.
      Also, for us fashion bloggers those are a must! Thanks! Glad you liked it!! 🙂

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  13. Hi Dee!
    I have realized that blogging can be very expensive! I love my new camera, a simple point and shoot but has a 1080 HD and great options. I felt that the camera and a computer has been essential to my blog. I need transportation, which limits me and is expensive when you want to travel across the country. I’m stuck on whether I should buy an Ipad or Iphone first, but I’ve come to realize I DO need to go mobile.
    Here’s a further discussion question: How much would you need to dedicate/ spend to take your blog to the next level? Business cards, purchasing a domain, hiring a designer, taking skill classes- when is blogging bad on the bank? How can you reverse this- how do you determine if you’ll do a job for free? I’d like to know what you think! I want to learn! 🙂

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    1. Hey Niani! Thanks for the amazing comment!
      I would say go mobile with an iphone! the point and shoot (like ours) honestly have the same quality as the IPhone. They bring a flash and also zoom. I need one Asap as I hate my Droid.
      About the transportation, we are on the same boat! It can get really expensive and frustrating if you need to go somewhere and don’t have a ride.
      About the domain and business cards, I included those topics because I found that theyre a must! adding the .wordpress or whatever to everything can get annoying and the domain could be from $10 to $30 a year! so is not that bad. For you and I that are always networking on the go, BC are essential! the avoid the “let me write it down” and make the person look more professional.
      About when to know if its profitable? well, I dont really know but Im sure at some point we all say to ourselves, is it worth it? is this going anywhere? and if so, to where? For myself, I do ask those questions, not because of the money, but because Im missing time with my family and thats what matters to me the most. If Im doing something is had to be worth the fact that I get home and my kids are sleeping or that I can take them to the park or go to pool. Thats what it comes down for me.
      I do get what you mean about free jobs, is your time and talent anyways, but if you see a future in it and a prospect of something positive (maybe not money) coming out of it then it could be an option for you. It all depends on what youre willing to sacrifice and do in order to achieve your goals. You are young and starting young so thats awesome! In my case, Ive been teaching since I was 18yrs old so I started young on that field and thats why its maybe easier for me to approach people and talk.

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  14. Hi Dee! First of, congrats for winning Sinfused’s giveaway.

    Now about blogging, I definitely agree with your when it comes the ‘not profitable path’ although you certainly will meet a lot of wonderful and kind people, that regardless if you’ve not met them yet, you already feel like you’re so connected. I should have started blogging before, but I guess the time wasn’t right. Still, I am glad I did in the end.

    I use my Android phone, which to be honest, sucks since WP on Android… well… sucks?? Just not as reliable when I am blogging using Mac-ky. I use my phone to just check out tweets and facebook or sometimes reply to comments on WP.

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    1. On the same path D! I use my WP app for everything! right now Im commenting from my phone 🙂 but droids do suck!! I need an iphone asap! their cam is better and hello! it brings a flash!
      Blogging can def be profitable but if ppl get into it thinking about money, not only will they be dissapointed, but also miss the chance to meet wonderful people like you! 🙂

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      1. Oh yes!You got that right.. droids definitely have suck moments, all right. Although I want to get an S2 or the Galaxy note though or perhaps and Iphone? LOL, can’t decide haha.
        Once you start blogging with money in mine first, you’ll definitely miss the real good stuff about it, and like you said, that’s meeting cool peeps like you. (did you see I just throw it back at ya? 😉 )

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      2. get the iphone!! better quality and great apps! we need to talk to our gov and see if we get 2×1!! youre so funny throwing that back at me!! im going to copyright it! lol

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  15. I agree! I am always carrying a my iPhone, laptop/or iPad and camera everywhere. It makes for one very heavy handbag! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. P.S. thanks for the tip about blogging from your smartphone. I hadn’t considered this option. It will definitely give me something to do while traveling!

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    1. yes, Britt!! for me thr WP app is a life saver! Im always on the go and rarely have time to sit down on my pc and write. Normally I start all my posts and articles from my phone and then email them to myself for edit purposes.
      I think that your ipad will def compensate the cam. the pics from ipads come out really good so maybe you dont need to carry both all the time 🙂

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    1. lol yes! Im a mom of 2!! I have a 4yr old girl and a 6 month old boy. I do tend to look younger than I am but I guess at the end thats good right? what did you think about blogging spending?

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  17. This is a great post, and you are so right. I think all those things you listed are a must. I’m currently saving up for a good camera. Luckily I already had most of the other things before I started blogging, so I haven’t had to spend to much to blog. Although I do find myself wanting to shop even more 🙂

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    1. thanks Meredith! Im catching up with everybody! 🙂
      I love the idea of a camera and the fact that most of us already have smartphones or pcs it does make it easier. Theres people that got some of those to inprove their blogging but just like you, I invested less on that but Im spending more on other stuff like gas! Also because of what my blog and my writing is about.

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  18. I finally joined civilization and purchased a smart phone. Right around the same time, my pocket camera went on the fritz. Been using the phone to take pictures but I can’t get those quality, close-up pics. Going to have to get out the digital SLR. That’s why I carry a big purse, right?
    Marissa

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    1. I get you Marissa!! Is never the same! I have a droid and noticed iphones take better pics ad also bring a flash, handy for late events.
      Im considering purchasing a slr too, have you done any research as to prices and specs?

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  19. I wish I had my Nikon D3000. That was my pride and joy! Me being a photographer lover and going to study it in school. Sadly, the cat broke it and I won’t have a new ones until Christmas. 😦

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