1. Making the leap
How and when to take your
blog full time
David Weliver
MoneyUnder30.com

2. 2
Part I
So, you wanna be a problogger?
“If you have the passion and talent to make
blogging your full-time business…remember
to focus on the big picture.”
– Luke “Flexo”
Landes, ConsumerismCommentary.com

3. The blogging dream…
Photo used under Creative Commons license thanks to Novecentino.

4. The reality
…and the reality!

5. 5
My blogging timeline
 2006: Started Money Under 30.
 2009: Earned similar sums from blogging and day job.
Started to dream.
 Jan 2010: Moved to Maine. Began working part-time to focus
on blogging.
 Nov 2010: Took new full-time job.
 Jan 2012: Quit job to blog full-time.

6. 6
Part II
What it takes to go pro

7. 7
Everyone’s an
entrepreneur.
*Cartoon rights purchased for presentation via CartoonStock.com by Moneyblogs, LLC.

8. 8
The 4 success factors
Talent Passion
Business
Drive
savvy

9. 9
What’s your
talent?

10. 10
Are you driven?
…[J]ust be determined as hell to do it. Don't
give up or let anything get in your way.
– Philip Taylor, PTMoney.com

11. 11
Are you passionate and personal?
“Focus all your effort on solving a
tangible, emotional problem for a specific
group of people.”
– Adam Baker, ManVsDebt.com
“Write your own story…people are always
interested in the stories of others.”
– Trent Hamm, TheSimpleDollar.com

12. 12
A blog is not a business plan
Ad-driven publishing networks
• CPC, CPM, or direct sales for blog or email list.
Premium content/products
• Newsletters, courses, books, or apps.
Lead generation or affiliates
• Direct lead gen or affiliate marketing.
Professional services
• Get clients for consulting, coaching, or advisory services.

13. 13
Blogs with business plans
Ad-driven publishing networks
• Wisebread, Money Crashers, Daily Worth
Premium content/ products
• IWillTeachYouToBeRich, Oblivious Investor, Copyblogger
Lead generation or affiliates
• Ask Mr. Credit Card, Taking Charge (CreditCards.com)
Professional services
• Good Financial Cents, ChrisG.com

14. Links to pages with affiliate offers.
14
Prominent opt-in forms to grow my list for future
product launches or ad opportunities.
Strong content and
attention to SEO.
Some display ads and limited AdSense at the end
of archived posts.

15. 15
Will it make you happy?
“Be the architect of a life you love, not
another job you don’t.”
– David Weliver (Me), MoneyUnder30.com

16. 16
Entrepreneur Solopreneur
Wants to grow Wants to stay small
Seeks funding from Wants to work only
outside investors for oneself
Hires employees No employees
Wants to sell Company may be of
company or go public little value to others

17. 17
Part III
The details
“Make sure you carefully consider how you
will make money and sustain
yourself. Anything can change and affect
your income.”
– Glen Craig, FreeFromBroke.com

18. 18
$1 W-2 ≠ $1 1099
 Estimated taxes
 Health insurance
 Retirement plans
 SEP IRA
 Solo 401k

19. 19
Technical stuff
 Open a business bank account
 Consider forming an LLC or S-Corp
 Get an employer identification number (EIN)
 Talk with a CPA about maximizing deductions

20. 20
Survival tactics
 Get out of the house
 Network with other solopreneurs
 Get professional help (CPA, lawyer, consultant) when needed
 Schedule both work and play
 Stay motivated with business books and Websites

21. 21
Systems to keep you sane
 Publishing schedule
 Email filters and templates
 Two lists:
 What to work on
 What not to work on
 Stick with just a few concrete goals per day
 Be disciplined about work times

22. 22
Further reading
 For inspiration: Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the
Life You Want, and Change the World, Chris Guillibeau
 If you want to sell: Built To Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive
Without You, John Warrilow
 To get better: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make The
Leap…and Others Don’t, Jim Collins
 To create systems: The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small
Businesses Don’t Work and What To Do About It, Michael E. Gerber
 For blog-specific advice: ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way
to a Six-Figure Income, Darren Rowse & Chris Garrett