There is only one thing I want for Christmas this year and that is to finally figure out how to make money off of MY blog without compromising my integrity. 
Do you think Santa is internet savvy enough to grant me this wish?
It’s been a year now and I’ve still not made any money. I’ve stayed away from Adsense and other programs like it. I’ve been patiently waiting for the advertisers to swarm my site and beg for space instead. There hasn’t been nibble one.
My numbers have steadily increased – at least I believe they have. I look at my awstats and if I’m reading the figures right then some of you are reading this article right now. That feels good. And it is really exciting and satisfying when someone finds something that helps them in their daily life.
It does not make my site the next Problogger site.
I’ve researched and read the articles about increasing traffic. I know that you need to:
1. Post regularly
2. Comment on other blogs and forums (and use a signature to link back to your site)
3. Make connections
4. Be personal (but not TOO personal – this is the internet)
5. Be consistent
6. Be specific
7. Advertise (use stumbleupon, technorati, article sites and blog carnivals) to build interest in your blog.
8. Be courteous (send emails to those who comment or visit regularly)
9. Use correct grammar (and spelling – Thanks Mara)
This month I started keeping a journal of what I’m doing and when I’m doing it. Maybe it will give me insight into how to make this site all that it can be. I have noticed a few trends. My blogging and writing articles get more view time than any thing else I post. Hmmmm – could that be the key? Should I be giving people what they are looking for even if it is a saturated market already?
Maybe if I tailored the site for MOMs that write (although any writer could benefit from most of it). I might have to change the name and the megatags to reflect the new format, but it just might be that I need change to get where I want to be – EASY STREET! 
December 19th, 2007
Yesterday I had this conversation:
“Hello, this is Kathryn.”
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Working.”
“I didn’t know you worked.”
“Well, I’m a writer.”
“I knew you did that, but I didn’t know you, like, went to a real job.”
The most amazing thing about this conversation is that it is not the first time I have had it. Very few people understand that what I’m doing is a full time job. I have deadlines that have to be met. There is research that requires time and concentration. And please, please don’t interrupt that train of thought.
There is little I can do in my own home to restrict access while I’m working. My “office” is smack in the middle of the house (in the corner of the kitchen). I’m hoping that there may be a few things I can do to help reduce the interruptions.
1. I’m going to make a sign: Mommy is out while Kathryn works. Please check back in a few minutes or leave a message. I’ll even add a little message pad and pencil.
2. There has to be a way to record a message on my phone for those times when I’m working. “This is Kathryn. I am caught in the middle of a special project and can not take your call. Please leave your message and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. If this is an emergency then call the hubby.”
3. If everyone knew my normal working hours then they might try calling at other times. I could send out some cards to friends and family – like birth announcements. “Kathryn is pleased to announce that she is a full time writer – getting paid for her endeavor. The hours between 10 – 2 are the best times for the magic to work. Please respect her crafts and LEAVE HER ALONE.”
4. Since morning is the best time for my mind (and the peace and quiet needed to keep the rhythm flowing), maybe I should start clocking in earlier. I figure if I start at 3 then I could be done with most of my assignments before the chaos ensues.
The reality of working at home is that you are more convenient (which is probably one of the reasons you chose this path in the first place). The kids can get to you, the spouse can get to you, and most everyone who has every met you knows that you are at home. It may not be possible to change every mind that I encounter, but I’m going to begin the process of changing at least a few.
December 19th, 2007
