My First Affiliate Journey

[Kikerinka]

Nice to hear you're doing well, and that things are going according to the plan! I hope you succeeded with a better house for your mother too .
GL with everything and looking forward to new updates!

 

[Dark Hat 007]

Damn!!! I had compiled something here a few weeks ago, but my browser's Memory Saver Cleared it and killed my vibe to come up with anything again, I'll just give a quick summary of what we (My site and I) have been up to.

• Traffic dropped drastically this new year; my site is heavily seasonal but compared to other Q1s this is my best so far.
• TBH, I'm really worried about the emergence of Chat GPT, and I'm even more bothered about how Google would respond.
• Cumulatively, I made almost $10,000 in Q4 of last year, to put it into context I've made like $1.5k so far this year a big drop but compared to last year this is x10>.
• My site saw a slight spike (up) with the latest Google (March) Core Update, but it's too early to celebrate.
• I've barely put out posts in the first two months of this year; a lot of personal projects going on which I have settled to a great extent although I'm in need of almost $4,000 which I believe I'll raise before next year... Don't worry, I didn't bite more than I can chew, I think.
• I'm settled and plan on writing aggressively.
• I crossed the 300 post mark this week; I should have crossed it last year, though - lazy boi! haha.
• My KW research policy so far has been KWs I'll definitely appear on the first page (or second page at most) hours after posting them, and so far I've been successful, the cost, however, is they have very very very low SV.
• This year so far I've averaged 550 daily traffic compared to the last two months of last year, that's a 75% drop, but I'm okay; this was expected, and I'll keep growing it.
• By my country's standard, I am in a very, very, very comfortable position, and I have no excuse not to work, and that I plan to do aggressively.
• Bought a place for my mum, and still have a lot of things to setup in her house but the number of times that lady has called to thank me motivates me to work even harder.
• Last but not least, Dear BHW, @Kikerinka I AM BACK, Amen!! Hahaha, I hope you (all) are doing well and I wish you the best this year.

Above all, God is the Greatest, and may The Blessed Virgin Mary be Adored.....I'm a man of (catholic) faith!!!

Cheers to a great year, but for now, let's watch what Google has to offer!!

Ohhhh, one more thing, my other site, I got a friend to right, I did pay, and what he was doing was something generic, not necessarily a big deal, so I noticed Google had struck the site down, I've gotten rid of all those posts and left the site with just what I wrote, and I'm watching it, I hate that I don't have the zeal to diversify... I'll keep watching things though.

This year, the might be fewer images.

Have a great weekend!

 

[Dark Hat 007]

• My KW research policy so far has been KWs I'll definitely appear on the first page (or second page at most) hours after posting them, and so far I've been successful, the cost, however, is they have very very very low SV.

• I also replaced the featured images of some of my best-performing posts with unique photos; I used an AI, a WordPress plugin, to generate these featured images; these images aren't perfect, but how the plugin works are you describe the picture and it tries to create an image.
• I also removed that generative (year) that usually used to be on titles; I mean, my titles were appended by a Rankmath shortcode that automatically adds the current year to the post title; I saw a Google guy call it SPAM, and that they'll address it.

These are the two essential things I've done; I have no idea if this is responsible for the spike or the algorithm update.

Now, what's your experience with using original images? Is there any advantage?

 

[Mr. Blackhat]

• I also replaced the featured images of some of my best-performing posts with unique photos; I used an AI, a WordPress plugin, to generate these featured images; these images aren't perfect, but how the plugin works are you describe the picture and it tries to create an image.
• I also removed that generative (year) that usually used to be on titles; I mean, my titles were appended by a Rankmath shortcode that automatically adds the current year to the post title; I saw a Google guy call it SPAM, and that they'll address it.

These are the two essential things I've done; I have no idea if this is responsible for the spike or the algorithm update.

Now, what's your experience with using original images? Is there any advantage?

Which WordPress plugin is that? The AI thumbnail generator.

I have websites completely without any images at all that rank well (smaller websites) and my most recent one uses print screens from YouTube videos (not the best quality by any means). I really don't think images matter as much as other factors when it comes to SEO.

 

[Kikerinka]

Damn!!! I had compiled something here a few weeks ago, but my browser's Memory Saver Cleared it and killed my vibe to come up with anything again, I'll just give a quick summary of what we (My site and I) have been up to.

• Traffic dropped drastically this new year; my site is heavily seasonal but compared to other Q1s this is my best so far.
• TBH, I'm really worried about the emergence of Chat GPT, and I'm even more bothered about how Google would respond.
• Cumulatively, I made almost $10,000 in Q4 of last year, to put it into context I've made like $1.5k so far this year a big drop but compared to last year this is x10>.
• My site saw a slight spike (up) with the latest Google (March) Core Update, but it's too early to celebrate.
• I've barely put out posts in the first two months of this year; a lot of personal projects going on which I have settled to a great extent although I'm in need of almost $4,000 which I believe I'll raise before next year... Don't worry, I didn't bite more than I can chew, I think.
• I'm settled and plan on writing aggressively.
• I crossed the 300 post mark this week; I should have crossed it last year, though - lazy boi! haha.
• My KW research policy so far has been KWs I'll definitely appear on the first page (or second page at most) hours after posting them, and so far I've been successful, the cost, however, is they have very very very low SV.
• This year so far I've averaged 550 daily traffic compared to the last two months of last year, that's a 75% drop, but I'm okay; this was expected, and I'll keep growing it.
• By my country's standard, I am in a very, very, very comfortable position, and I have no excuse not to work, and that I plan to do aggressively.
• Bought a place for my mum, and still have a lot of things to setup in her house but the number of times that lady has called to thank me motivates me to work even harder.
• Last but not least, Dear BHW, @Kikerinka I AM BACK, Amen!! Hahaha, I hope you (all) are doing well and I wish you the best this year.

Above all, God is the Greatest, and may The Blessed Virgin Mary be Adored.....I'm a man of (catholic) faith!!!

Cheers to a great year, but for now, let's watch what Google has to offer!!

Ohhhh, one more thing, my other site, I got a friend to right, I did pay, and what he was doing was something generic, not necessarily a big deal, so I noticed Google had struck the site down, I've gotten rid of all those posts and left the site with just what I wrote, and I'm watching it, I hate that I don't have the zeal to diversify... I'll keep watching things though.

This year, the might be fewer images.

Have a great weekend!

Glad to see the blogging journey section isn't completely dead yet, and that you managed to get your mum a nice place .
Keep going, and I hope you will reach your dream with relocation this year too!!

 

[Interwall147]

Good luck bro with your jurney

 

[techines]

Good luck bro

 

[Bing]

thats huge dude. keep going!

 

[Dark Hat 007]

Which WordPress plugin is that? The AI thumbnail generator.

I have websites completely without any images at all that rank well (smaller websites) and my most recent one uses print screens from YouTube videos (not the best quality by any means). I really don't think images matter as much as other factors when it comes to SEO.

Sincerly, I don't know if sticking to stock featured images or using unique featured images would make any difference, I can't tell. I've seen people argue for and against with proofs. The plugin I use is Imajinn AI.

thats huge dude. keep going!

Thanks thanks man!

Good luck bro

Thanks a lot!

Good luck bro with your jurney

Thank you very much.

Glad to see the blogging journey section isn't completely dead yet, and that you managed to get your mum a nice place .
Keep going, and I hope you will reach your dream with relocation this year too!!

Hahaha, yeah yeah, I have a lot to do this year and I would.. Thanks again!!

 

[Interwall147]

Thank you very much.

You are welcome bro

 

[Dark Hat 007]

[Year in Check] Update…

Things have been going better than expected. At the moment earnings between Jan - April has seen a 30%+ increase each month.

Jan

Affilaites - $300+
Mediavine - $170 (added mediavine two weeks tonthe end of the month).

Feb

Affiliates - $400+
Mediavine - $302

March

Affiliates - $450+
Ads - $402

April (so far)

Affiliates - $680+
Ads - $520+

So far I have added so many posts and I’m targeting a slight window of opportunity so I’m writing as much as possible.

Pinterest

I have finally decided to take diversifying my traffic seriously. I have paid someone on Fiverr to focus on posting pins on my Pinterest, it’s a ine month contract, if it goes well, I’ll keep it on for a while.

2nd Site

She was struck down by Google, I plan on deindexing the site all together and taking out the posts I wrote for another site I’ll float in June.

I have a writer ready to produce articles for the whole of May, about 20 + 20 old articles.

Mental Health

I shared here what I was/am battling with, I’m doing way better than (financially) than I have been doing ever in my life, but I feel down mentally…..

I don’t know if it’s the new state I am in and no friends whose place I can go rest, reenergise and keep pushing.

Or if it’s the financial yoke on my shoulder I need to attend to asap (mum’s house).

Or if it’s the fact I feel I should be doing more as I am way more comfortable now.

Or if it’s the fear that I could loose it all especially if Google decides to get dirty.

Or if it’s my inability to go out and make friends, note I am a cool person and a great conversationist at least from what literally everyone I’ve chatted with says, however, i am a shy introvert.

Or if it’s my body that I’ve left to get fat, I use to work out, i work out still but not as much as I feel I can.

I asked a question here concernin all of these, I hoped @Kikerinka would share a point or two there.

I was way more okay and mentally stable when I broke and hungry, but now!!! Probably it’s a phase because I sometimes get okay…

Well!!! I know I’m not as frequent as before, I’ll try to work on that.

By God’s Grace, I plan on making May as productive as possible!!!

Hope you are all doing great?

 

[Hebert90]

[Year in Check] Update…

Things have been going better than expected. At the moment earnings between Jan - April has seen a 30%+ increase each month.

Jan

Affilaites - $300+
Mediavine - $170 (added mediavine two weeks tonthe end of the month).

Feb

Affiliates - $400+
Mediavine - $302

March

Affiliates - $450+
Ads - $402

April (so far)

Affiliates - $680+
Ads - $520+

So far I have added so many posts and I’m targeting a slight window of opportunity so I’m writing as much as possible.

Pinterest

I have finally decided to take diversifying my traffic seriously. I have paid someone on Fiverr to focus on posting pins on my Pinterest, it’s a ine month contract, if it goes well, I’ll keep it on for a while.

2nd Site

She was struck down by Google, I plan on deindexing the site all together and taking out the posts I wrote for another site I’ll float in June.

I have a writer ready to produce articles for the whole of May, about 20 + 20 old articles.

Mental Health

I shared https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/please-contribute-how-do-you-get-by-daily.1492714/post-16324824 what I was/am battling with, I’m doing way better than (financially) than I have been doing ever in my life, but I feel down mentally…..

I don’t know if it’s the new state I am in and no friends whose place I can go rest, reenergise and keep pushing.

Or if it’s the financial yoke on my shoulder I need to attend to asap (mum’s house).

Or if it’s the fact I feel I should be doing more as I am way more comfortable now.

Or if it’s the fear that I could loose it all especially if Google decides to get dirty.

Or if it’s my inability to go out and make friends, note I am a cool person and a great conversationist at least from what literally everyone I’ve chatted with says, however, i am a shy introvert.

Or if it’s my body that I’ve left to get fat, I use to work out, i work out still but not as much as I feel I can.

I asked a question https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/please-contribute-how-do-you-get-by-daily.1492714/post-16324824 concernin all of these, I hoped @Kikerinka would share a point or two there.

I was way more okay and mentally stable when I broke and hungry, but now!!! Probably it’s a phase because I sometimes get okay…

Well!!! I know I’m not as frequent as before, I’ll try to work on that.

By God’s Grace, I plan on making May as productive as possible!!!

Hope you are all doing great?

At the risk of being wrong, I think how you are feeling is a bit of imposter syndrome.
Take some time off to recuperate, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, and try to APPLAUD YOURSELF for how far you have come and will still go.

You mentioned the standard of living in your country and how comfortable you are atm; I would say dewell on that too.

About friends, try to reach out to bloggers or techies in your country, try Twitter.

But you are doing great, reading your updates as soon you write them is such a big motivation to me and others.

 

[eQuick IT]

best wishes for u

 

[Dark Hat 007]

At the risk of being wrong, I think how you are feeling is a bit of imposter syndrome.
Take some time off to recuperate, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, and try to APPLAUD YOURSELF for how far you have come and will still go.

You mentioned the standard of living in your country and how comfortable you are atm; I would say dewell on that too.

About friends, try to reach out to bloggers or techies in your country, try Twitter.

But you are doing great, reading your updates as soon you write them is such a big motivation to me and others.

Thank you, thank you!

I'll agree with that imposter syndrome, you are right, I suffer from that!! I should be going to see friends this week in a different state, I should come back refreshed... Thanks again.

I'll do my best to keep pushing out updates on here, have a great week.

best wishes for u

thanks and you too.

 

[TechEinstien]

She was struck down by Google, I plan on deindexing the site all together and taking out the posts I wrote for another site I’ll float in June.

So, You are going to use this site posts on another? I am also thinking to do that to one of my website. How will you exactly do it to avoid duplicate content?

 

[Dark Hat 007]

So, You are going to use this site posts on another? I am also thinking to do that to one of my website. How will you exactly do it to avoid duplicate content?

I plan on floating the site in June, from 1st May, I'll completely remove them from the old site, submit them to Google's removal tool on GSC, use a noindex tag on the whole site and leave it this way for a month, then in june I'll add all 20 and schedule them to post overtime while populating the site with fresh new articles.

Of course, I'll use a plugin like "BetterSearchReplace" to replace every link that has my old site with my new site. I believe in the 30 days period, it will completely be out of Google's cache.

 

[Kikerinka]

Mental Health

I shared here what I was/am battling with, I’m doing way better than (financially) than I have been doing ever in my life, but I feel down mentally…..

I don’t know if it’s the new state I am in and no friends whose place I can go rest, reenergise and keep pushing.

Or if it’s the financial yoke on my shoulder I need to attend to asap (mum’s house).

Or if it’s the fact I feel I should be doing more as I am way more comfortable now.

Or if it’s the fear that I could loose it all especially if Google decides to get dirty.

Or if it’s my inability to go out and make friends, note I am a cool person and a great conversationist at least from what literally everyone I’ve chatted with says, however, i am a shy introvert.

Or if it’s my body that I’ve left to get fat, I use to work out, i work out still but not as much as I feel I can.

I asked a question here concernin all of these, I hoped @Kikerinka would share a point or two there.

I was way more okay and mentally stable when I broke and hungry, but now!!! Probably it’s a phase because I sometimes get okay…

Well!!! I know I’m not as frequent as before, I’ll try to work on that.

By God’s Grace, I plan on making May as productive as possible!!!

Hope you are all doing great?

Hey mate, great to hear from you after a while, and congratulations on getting accepted to Mediavine and everything!

When it comes to mental health issues, I am sure there are dozens of people here with more personal experience than I have with similar problems, and can perhaps offer you some advice. All I can say is:

- Starting some new place is always hard, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, introvert or extrovert. Things will get better over time.

- It is completely normal feeling bad or down sometimes (I feel sad sometimes too). Just do not let those feelings consume you.

- Fear of future is your enemy and completely pointless. I know you are a devoted Christian, so remember this passage from the Bible: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Most people do not interpret this correctly, but what the Jesus teaching is really about is living in the present moment, and not worrying about the future or reminiscing about the past... Following that advice will make all the difference in your life!

Take care my friend, and for sure come here and update the thread. The communication & connection you'll have here with other members will no doubt help you

 

[Dark Hat 007]

Hey mate, great to hear from you after a while, and congratulations on getting accepted to Mediavine and everything!

When it comes to mental health issues, I am sure there are dozens of people here with more personal experience than I have with similar problems, and can perhaps offer you some advice. All I can say is:

- Starting some new place is always hard, regardless of whether you are rich or poor, introvert or extrovert. Things will get better over time.

- It is completely normal feeling bad or down sometimes (I feel sad sometimes too). Just do not let those feelings consume you.

- Fear of future is your enemy and completely pointless. I know you are a devoted Christian, so remember this passage from the Bible: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Most people do not interpret this correctly, but what the Jesus teaching is really about is living in the present moment, and not worrying about the future or reminiscing about the past... Following that advice will make all the difference in your life!

Take care my friend, and for sure come here and update the thread. The communication & connection you'll have here with other members will no doubt help you

That bible portion really hits home, my life has been a miracle in my opinion yet I wonder why I can't be confident in God.

Thanks!! I'll get over it with time.

 

[Charlotteseo]

keep going mate like this .

 

[Dark Hat 007]

[Instistinc Update]

Hello guys, hope everyone is doing great. This year or should I say first half of the year has been going smoothly, much more than I expected. These have been my earnings so far;

TABLE

Month	Sessions	Amazon	Mediavine	Earning Totals
Jan.	16,761	$310	$175	$485
Feb.	16,100	$410	$302	$712
Mar.	19,750	$496	$403	$896
Apr.	25,223	$743	$558	$1,301
May	31,653	$1,215	$767	$1,982
June (as at 14th June)	12,223...	$685...	$353...	$1,038...

Possible Total

121,710

$3,859

$1,120

$4,079

I know stuff like this motivates. To further motivate us, by this time last year, I wasn't making up to $100 on this same site.

Site 2

I got stuck by Google on the other site, I don't blame them, I wasn't putting much effort in it. But I have decided to focus on it and I've done just that this month and have about 40 articles already in, some paid for, some written this month, some from the old site.

I even got hacked there. Currently, there's no metric to report for that site.

Site 3

Oppz!!! There's none for now, but towards the end of next month I should start it. There I plan to work heavily with ChatGPT there.

Mental Health

I think I am better, I'll say better than my last post. I seem to have something I am aiming at and I'll try working towards that. I'm very very very poor at making friends and in a new state that's very hectic. But I believe I will be fine, I guess.

General Health

I had a minor surgical operation, nothing serious, I'm experiencing some body pains, I guess its from being on my desk quite a lot.

Generally

LG - Life is Good, I'll be an ingrate and selfish if I say it isn't... I'm grateful to God and The Blessed Virgin Mary, they have been by my side, and I know this.

Moving Forward

I hope I get on here and post some more... Thanks for coming to my ted talk. I'll keep working on these sites, but I'm seriously looking for ways to branch into the offline world and I hope on or before Feb next year I should have strong footings there.