How to start blogging for a living

It's more than a year and a half now since I ventured into professional blog writing. I blog for other people and small businesses. And I have also monetized my personal blogs through various means which includes affiliate marketing, both private and third-party ad selling, and paid posting. It was not easy, as many bloggers pitch. It takes time and hard work to develop a single blog into a moneymaking machine.

If you are considering of turning your blogging hobby into a blogging-for-living, you might want to check if you possess the following:

1. Basic writing skills, which includes a good command of the English language and its grammar;
2. An in depth working knowledge of a particular topic/theme or niche;
3. Basic technical knowledge on blogging platforms and web hosting. Aside, when you choose a web host plan, consider WebHostingGeeks.com. They regularly provide reviews and web hosting awards. Check out their blog for other useful info.
   
4. Basic SEO (search engine optimization) knowledge and skills;
5. Social networking skills;
6. Willingness to learn;
7. Lastly, a high tolerance for frustrations.

1 and 2 are core skills that are essential to professional blogging. 3,4, and 5 are soft skills that you can and must learn along the way. The last two are important traits that a successful professional blogger have. The blogosphere is already flooded with ‘wannabees’ who are competing for a shrinking pie. If you are not willing to learn and do not have the patience to compete, you will end up earning nothing at all.

By the way, did I tell you that you would be shelling-out money on the process? You will be investing on domain names and monthly hosting fees. Also, if you still have a day job –keep it. Although professional blogging is financially rewarding, it takes more than what I have enumerated above to equal or double what you currently earn right now. The good news though, many before us succeeded so why can’t we.