Should I Monetize My Blog? Part 2
Thank You for Helping Me Answer That Question
How Listening to My Readers Helped Me Choose My Blog Monetization Strategy
Click HERE to watch:
What’s my blog monetization strategy? Thank you for helping me answer that question
How Listening to My Readers Helped Me Make Up My Mind About My Blog Monetization Strategy
Last week, I asked you if I should monetize my blog. I expected a few polite replies and maybe a couple of gentle digs. What I got instead was a flood of thoughtful, funny, and personal responses from readers all over the world. This experience reshaped my blog monetization strategy, reminding me that value isn’t always financial; it’s relational.
Your messages reminded me why I started writing this blog in the first place. Every Wednesday, I share a story or an idea and wait to see who responds. Those conversations are what make this whole effort worthwhile. It’s always been less about marketing and more about connection.
And after 18 years of writing these posts, your answers reminded me why I don’t charge for my blog.
Pew Research Center: Few Americans pay for news when they hit paywalls
But first, a story:
Why I Started This Blog in the First Place
When I started this blog years ago, I had no blog monetization strategy. I didn’t even know if anyone would even read it. I wrote the first few posts mostly for myself, hoping a few colleagues might find them interesting. Eighteen years later, I’m still at it every week and still learning what it means to connect with people through words.
After my last post, Should I Monetize My Blog?, I received more replies than I have in years. Some were direct responses to the blog itself. Many more came in emails, texts, and on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Some of the reactions were very direct and to the point. Others shared stories that had nothing to do with money but everything to do with meaning.
Pew Research Center: Social media and news fact sheet
Ana wrote, “You and Gloria already have a brand built on generosity and authenticity. It would be off brand to start charging. It would change the relationship.”
George said, “I’ve forwarded your blog to people who’ve hired you. Don’t do anything that would undermine your creativity or opinions.”
And Mike added, “I’ve read your blog for years. If I paid for it, I’d compare it to my own opinions. I like it better when it’s independent and pure.”
Those notes, along with many others, made me smile and made me think about what this blog really means to me.
What Your Responses Showed Me About My Blog Monetization Strategy
This space has always been about the relationship we share. The conversations. The back and forth. The sense of community that has grown around ideas, stories, and an occasional harmonica tale.
So, no, I’m not going to charge for it.
Why I’m Not Charging for My Blog
The Business Reason For My Blog Monetization Strategy
The business reason is simple. As I wrote, this blog already pays its own way through opportunities, keynote invitations, referrals, and consulting projects that begin with someone writing, “I’ve been following your blog for years and I’m wondering…”
HBR Analytic Services: Building Strong Brands
The Personal Reason For My Blog Monetization Strategy
The personal reason is even simpler. Writing connects you and me. It keeps me thinking, learning, and communicating from my own point of view, not from a sponsor’s or a subscriber’s agenda.
Harvard Business Review: How brands and influencers can make the most of the relationship
And that’s worth more to me than any paywall or blog monetization strategy.
Thank you for reading, responding, and keeping me inspired to hit “publish” every week. I couldn’t do this without you.
What Happens Next: Keynotes, Ideas, and Inspiration
Speaking of things I can’t do without you, if your organization is planning its 2026 conferences and events, let’s talk about how we can bring these ideas to life on stage. My keynotes combine stories, strategy, and a harmonica or two to help audiences discover the belief behind their brand and make their message resonate.
You can reach me directly at bruceturkel.com.
And if you’re curious about how to create content that builds relationships instead of transactions, read How to Build Brand Value in a Noisy World, which explores what happens when you focus less on selling and more on sharing.