Hello! Today I’m sharing a great article from my sister, Alexis Schroeder at FITnancials.com. This version was updated this morning. Below is her story.
A little over a year ago I made the leap to work on my blog, FITnancials, full time.
It was terrifying at first — I had spent more than eight years working for others and never imagined becoming an entrepreneur while I was in school.
I began with a side hustle: a blog that gradually grew into a website generating more than $15,000 per month and attracting over 150,000 page views each month.
I remember telling Michelle that I would be happy making $10,000 a month and would be content at that level forever. It’s wild to think I reached that milestone at age 25, still a senior in college.
If I could do it, you can too. It sounds cliché, but it’s true: I never imagined being my own boss and yet here I am.
Let go of negative self-talk and stop telling yourself you can’t reach your goals. You’ll get there much faster once you stop letting limiting beliefs hold you back.
Related content:
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- The Ultimate Guide To Making Money Blogging – How I Earn Over $50,000 A Month Online
- How To Start a WordPress Blog
- How To Quit Your Job And Become A Full-Time Blogger
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Below I explain how I grew my income and page views significantly in just one year.
Ad Revenue
For a while, ad revenue was my top income source, partly because I initially placed a large number of ads across my posts.
When I reduced the number of ads, user experience improved dramatically and affiliate income rose. Readers were less distracted by ads and more likely to stay on the site and take action.
Ads still contribute a meaningful portion of my income, so while I’d love to remove them entirely to improve user experience even more, I’m keeping a reduced number in place because they perform well financially.
There are many ad networks available. I currently use Mediavine and have been happy with their service for a long time. Their dashboard and optimization tools make it easy to customize ads and maximize revenue without compromising too much on user experience.
Affiliate Marketing
This year my affiliate income reached its highest level yet.
Overloading posts with ads had raised my bounce rate and reduced conversions. After removing the intrusive ads, I focused on several strategies that improved results:
I began writing posts with a clear purpose and an end-goal in mind. If a post discusses how I increased page views, I highlight the specific tools, courses, or eBooks that helped me reach that result.
Offering bonuses when allowed (check with the affiliate manager) is a great way to boost conversions. Giving readers an extra incentive to buy through your link often increases sales.
I also revisit Michelle’s Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course periodically. Reviewing it at least once a quarter helps keep strategies fresh and ensures I’m aware of best practices and new techniques.
Sponsored Posts
If you want to earn from sponsored posts, check out my guide on how I make $3,000+ per month from sponsored posts.
Landing sponsored work is easier when you use platforms that connect brands with influencers. Make your profile stand out, because sponsors often decide based on page views and social media reach.
I proactively reach out to brands I want to work with and regularly apply to opportunities listed on influencer marketplaces. Staying subscribed to email lists that announce sponsored opportunities keeps me informed about new openings.
Page Views
In March my site reached 150,000 page views, which was a major milestone. I had been stuck around 60,000 page views for months and it became frustrating. I changed several long-standing habits and got a bit uncomfortable, which paid off.
1. Posting less often and publishing what readers want
I used to publish frequently just for the sake of posting, often two to three times per week, which diluted quality. When I reduced frequency to once a week and focused on higher-quality content, page views did not drop — they rose.
2. Finding out what readers want
I surveyed 100 readers to get direct feedback about FITnancials. I asked questions like:
- Which topics do you like most? (making money, saving money, travel, health)
- Which topics do you like least?
- What are you currently struggling with?
The survey revealed that readers were more interested in travel content than I had assumed, so I adjusted my editorial calendar accordingly.
3. Using Google and Pinterest analytics
Google Analytics and Pinterest Analytics are invaluable. They show which posts get the most clicks and engagement, which helps me decide what topics to prioritize.
Pinterest Analytics shows which pin styles perform best — length, colors, and formats — so I can refine pin design. Google Analytics provides data on top and low-performing content, bounce rates, and user behavior. Every blogger should use these tools.
4. Designing click-worthy pins
I test attention-grabbing, emotionally resonant headlines and experiment with colors. I’ve found that brighter colors like orange, red, and pink often perform better for my audience. I also experiment with shorter pins as an alternative to the very long pins many bloggers use. Currently I create three different pins per post and track which styles attract the most clicks.
5. Creating a free product to grow an email list
If you haven’t started an email list, do it now. Your email list is an asset you own, unlike social platforms that change algorithms. Offering a free product to incentivize sign-ups is critical. People rarely join email lists without a clear benefit.
Ideas for free incentives include a resource library, ebook, or printable downloads. Email allows you to build a more personal connection with your audience and nurture long-term relationships.
Future Plans
I have a lot of plans for FITnancials and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
I’m currently developing several free and paid digital products. Michelle and I are also collaborating on a sponsored course resource.
I finish school this year, and soon I’ll be able to devote 100% of my time to the blog. Removing the demands of my final semester will free mental energy to focus on growth.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me at FITnancials.