Interview: Christian Hollingsworth Founder Of Smart Boy Designs

Christian Hollingsworth is the founder of Smart Boy Designs. He is one of the 2011 Small Business Influencer Nominee and also a Sponsored Tweets web celebrity. He is one of the best people to know about increasing your revenue online.

 

 

 

 

 

What would you say to a person that is trying to make money online for the first time?

There are two things I would tell that person. The first is that making money online isn’t just about blogging; it’s multi-faceted. Making money online includes blogging, offering products & services, social media marketing, building email lists, and more.

The second piece of advice I’d give is you’re going to make more money in the long run if you choose to make money from your passion. NOT because you believe the topic will be the quickest and easiest way to make money.

To put it bluntly, you won’t last.

 

What are your top 3 websites to use to generate income and why?

The top three websites I use to generate income are InfoLinks, BuySellAds & Sponsored Tweets. The latter two manage the advertisements that are placed on my Twitter feed, which is monetized well with targeted ads.

InfoLinks is placed on every page of my website and is an “in-text” service hightlighted certain keywords with advertisement links.

I guess I could also say that I make the most money from Smart Boy Designs, my own website, because all my leads, clients & projects come from those who are reading or visiting my blog.

I make a full living from the social media management, freelance writing & design that I do.

 

Is Google adsense a good way to generate money for your blog?

Google Adsense has the potential to be highly effective in monetizing a blog or website. It’s important, however, to keep Adsense from your blog when you have a low level of traffic.

I currently don’t use Adsense on any of my blogs, and feel it helps to attract more “long-term” readers as well as make the blogs look more inviting and friendly.

I believe a blog can be better monetized by using ad space to sell a product o, affiliate product, or direct ad campaigns.

 

How can you get advertisements for your blog?

Call them up! One great way I’ve used in the past to find great (high paying) advertisers on a niche blog is look at products and companies within the niche – and then call or email them.

Be honest with your intentions, and let them know you believe you’d make a good match and platform for their products. More than likely, if you have a well trafficked blog – you’ll find advertisers who are willing to pay.

Even if your traffic is low, if your niche is small and targeted, you’ll be able to generate a huge profit from direct advertisers.

 

Are their steps to take to make money online easier?

You can make the process easier if you’re dedicated and focused. With all aspects of web marketing combined – you can quickly become overwhelmed.

I’d recommend doing your research and learning before jumping into something that might take too much time or effort. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

 

Any books or programs you recommend?

I read many books. Often a few each week, so my recommendations are often very sporadic.

Any of the “Dummie’s” Guides are often a great way to get started in learning marketing techniques, social media, blogging & traffic generation.

I also recommend reading books regarding psychology as your marketing skills increase, as this will be a great benefit to what you’re absorbing.

 

Are eBooks the easiest way to generate income online? Yes or No? Why?

Ebooks are certainly an easy way to generate an income online, but they’re more than likely not going to make you a millionaire (especially with the high number of eBooks now being produced daily).

If you want to truly make a strong income online, dedicate time to producing or finding products that you might sell that aren’t necessarily digital.

Services are also a great way to make an income. Think of the things you know most about in your life, and develop a service regarding that niche. You passion will help you find a way.

 

With the knowledge you know now about making money online what would be the first thing you would tell yourself when you first started out trying to make money online?

The first thing I would tell myself is PRODUCE A PRODUCT! You aren’t going to be rich with a high level of traffic alone.

You need to convert those leads/visitors into paying customers of whatever you’re offering. Whether that product be tangible, digital or service oriented.