Hi, this is Frank.

Hey everyone, Frank here. Many new bloggers start out believing affiliate marketing is an easy way to make money, only to face the tough reality soon after. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common traps beginners fall into and share realistic strategies using Google AdSense and ASPs to build a profitable blog step by step.

Let’s save you months of frustration and get your blog on the right track.

１．Common Mistakes New Bloggers Make

1. Focusing only on income
   Beginners often write for clicks, not readers. But Google rewards valuable content, not aggressive monetization. If your blog feels like an ad farm, readers will leave—and so will your SEO ranking.
2. Writing about everything
   If you cover too many unrelated topics, Google won’t see you as an expert. Stick to one or two niches at first and build credibility within them.
3. Expecting quick results
   Blogging is a long game. It can take 6–12 months before you see stable traffic or income. Patience is part of the process.
4. Ignoring SEO and analytics
   Writing great posts isn’t enough. You need keyword research, internal links, and proper titles. Small SEO tweaks can make a big difference over time.

２．Should You Start with AdSense or Jump Straight into Affiliate Programs?

For most beginners, Google AdSense is the better starting point. Here’s why:

1. Lower entry barrier
   You can earn just from ad impressions or clicks, even with modest traffic. It’s great for building motivation early on.
2. Learn the basics of blogging
   AdSense helps you understand SEO, traffic patterns, and how readers behave on your site.
3. Affiliate marketing requires skill
   Selling products takes time, copywriting, and audience targeting. Master content first, then move into affiliate promotions once your traffic stabilizes.

３．How Many Posts Before You Can Earn?

A solid goal is around 100 quality posts. But quality beats quantity. Each post should be at least 1,500–2,500 words and optimized for search intent.

Focus on:

1. Strong keyword targeting
2. Internal linking between related posts
3. Updating older content regularly

４．When to Identify Your Strongest Niche

After 3–6 months, check your analytics to see what’s working:

1. Which posts get the most views
2. Which topics attract engagement or comments
3. Which have higher click-through rates or longer read times

Once you find your “sweet spot,” focus your content there to grow faster and earn more efficiently.

５．What’s a Realistic First-Year Income Goal?

1. Google AdSense: $10–$50 per month once traffic stabilizes.
2. Affiliate Programs (ASP): $50–$100 per month if your niche and product choices are strategic.

These are just benchmarks—your early focus should be on learning, testing, and building authority rather than chasing numbers.

Don’t chase the money—create value first. Grow your audience with AdSense, learn your niche, and gradually shift into affiliate offers once your blog earns trust.

Consistency always beats speed in the blogging world.

Check out the Spanish version of this article here.

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Disclaimer!

The information in this article reflects personal experience and general advice. Results may vary depending on effort, niche, and external factors. Always make your own business decisions responsibly.

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