Review: Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income

“Don’t stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed.” – George Burns

Let’s be honest. Who of us isn’t interested in money? Which of us wouldn’t love to be making six figures or more while Freelancing? But how many of us really know how to tap the market to best take advantage of the skills we have, turning our precious time into cash?

With the staggering number of self-help titles on the market today, each promising secrets, tips, and guarantees, there is an obvious desire to achieve these elusive ends. Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett recognized this need, and with their 2008 “Problogger: Secrets for Blogging You Way to a Six-Figure Income” hope to inspire others to accomplish their dreams. The verdict on their 220 page manual of blogging advice? Read on to find out.

Show Me the Money

Any title with the words “Secrets” and a mention of a specific monetary achievement should always leave you feeling a little skeptical. But just a quick glance through the pages leaves the impression that even the lowliest of us could become part of the A-List. Inspiration, though, has never been so balanced.

Chapters such as “Blogging for Money”, “Blog Income and Earning Strategies”, and “Buying and Selling Blogs” which cover some of the finer points of bringing in cash for blogging, are offset by titles such as “Setting Up Your Blog” and “Blog Promotion and Marketing”, which dive into the meat of how to even get into the earning realm. Indeed, there are quite a few ways to cash in on blog realm, and the book does a good job of laying them out. The possibility of fast riches is muted in a very professional way.

Realities Set In

Thankfully, both Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett are careful to explain, again and again, that the tasks at hand are no easy task. Both cover their (and others) history of blogging, and for every gain, there is an obvious effort that was put forth. Each win accomplished through hard lessons learn. A notable header from page six is “Pro Blogging is Not a Get-Rich-Quick Tactic”. And this won’t be the last time similar statements are made.

Exercises and tips are spread liberally throughout and each is slated towards getting the reader in the right mindset for the particular subject. Maintaining focus is important, and the book is configured in such a way to allow you to read, process, and implement – but not have to finish all the steps at once. While you may make a break, the chances are you will put a lot of energy into your blog before you begin to realize your dreams.

The book is structured in a very easy to read format. It’s not a real page turner (and who would expect it to be), but the only downfall is the current lack of a digital format (at this time).

Find Your Dream

Not sure what your dream should be? Once again, Pro bloggers Darren and Chris point to your hobbies, habits, and joys. From running your own blog, to working with others, the opportunities are boundless, if one is willing to put in the time. And yes, you will have to invest a large chunk of time, as with any worthwhile business venture.

For the freelancer, the book serves an important purpose. Even if you aren’t intending to start your own blog, or have only the desire to freelance write for other blogging sites, there are great tidbits of knowledge and exercises that can help solidify your career choice. Indirect income-earning, such as freelance blogging, the book notes, “does earn reasonably well, predictably, and is itself a form of marketing, so doing a good job often leads to more work.” Substituting the word blogging for writing in general, this useful guide is still a valid resource.

Finishing off the book is one final and important chapter: Creating Something Worthwhile. Why put yourself through the paces if you aren’t making something that could help others in the same way? Key to the entire process of making money while blogging, the usefulness of shared information is directly related to the amount of staying power, and subsequent earning capability.

There isn’t a big hoorah finish in “Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six Figure Income”. Instead, like the rest of the book, you are asked to be remarkable in all that you do, and the money will find its way back to your pockets. The proof is in the book. The demonstration is in their outstanding blogs. The question is: can you match the experience?

The Lowdown

Both Darren and Chris have obviously worked very hard to be there they are today. Thankfully, they have decided not to hoard their experience and knowledge, but rather present it in a useful and positive manner. Whether you are in the investigation stages of a blogging career, a freelancer looking to supplement their income or expand their blogging knowledge, or are in an established position and wanting to expand your profit making potential, Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income is an excellent resource.

The Good

• Plenty of exercises, tips, and guides
• Encouraging while realistic
• Useful for those getting started, those who are established, and or freelance write

The Not So Good

• Currently no digital format

Price
Problogger: Secrets for Blogging You Way to a Six-Figure Income can be purchased from Amazon with a retail price of $16.49.