I've had this dream of being able to earn a living, or at least an income from websites. Ever since I got connected way back when I've strived to have an idea where I can sit back with a big grin on my face and say to myself, “yes my old son, you've done it!” After over ten years I'm still waiting, in that time we've seen the rise and rise of Google, earning its original founders millions. Social Networking sites have come along, again with their founders working with what are basically simple ideas and have earned fortunes. Even pixel sites had a brief time where those quick enough could earn substantial incomes.
Me, I've sat and watched it all pass me by, perhaps it's because I don't have the wit to see these opportunities, perhaps it's because I come from a background where the work ethic is paramount, who knows but I'm still here looking for my first penny. Today I run a news and information website which has an excellent and quite loyal readership, they return day after day and I update day after day, so I got round to thinking that I could at least cover my expenses by getting a few local businesses to advertise on the site. I'm not looking for a lifetime of luxury but to pay the server costs every year would, for me, be fantastic.
I have a friend who works for an agency that deals with advertising for many local businesses in the area, you know the sort of thing, local newspapers, magazines and the like. He said he would spread the word about my website and was pretty hopeful of getting at least two or three businesses on board. I began to get hopeful. I started to find more content for my website, getting permission to use other authors work, free to start with along with a promise of a cut in any advertising revenue gained in the future. It is also the sort of site where contributions come in un-asked for but are welcome all the same. So content and readership were on the up.
Eight months later I'm still waiting for my first advertiser, I use an affiliate system to raise a small amount each month, and I mean small, still not enough to cover my costs. I spend over two hours a day updating, verifying and locating new content. It is hard work! It seems to me the simpler the idea the more it earns, I wish my ideas could be as simple, then I might be one of those languishing in the lap of luxury rather than working hard for what has turned into a labour of love for me on behalf of my readers.
Let's just say it's not as easy to make your fortune on the net as many would have you believe.
