Every now and then I’ll get a request to post information about my earnings, whether it be for AdSense, my overall earnings, or another affiliate program.
In fact, someone just asked about my AdSense income on my fan page yesterday.
I know. I’m the one that started the curiosity. When you show your earnings as I’ve done, some people want you to keep doing it, but I personally limit these kinds of posts and videos for two reasons:
1) Privacy
Even though I display a check or two every now and then, I’ve never disclosed my total income and don’t plan on doing that any time soon. I don’t mind showing a good AdSense month here and there, but I prefer to keep much of the specifics to myself for certain reasons.
2) It Can Be Misconstrued as Bragging
Sometimes I worry about appearing too braggadocious. The original reason for doing those revealing income posts and videos is to inspire and build credibility.
With so many misleading “how to make money online” sites and videos, I want people to see that I’m actually walking the walk. I also realize that revealing posts and videos like this generate a lot of viral traffic because people love to share them.
Some marketers even go as far as showing their cars, homes, etc. I personally think that’s a bit excessive, but I understand it’s marketing and it also builds interest, sales, etc.
Nevertheless, I’d like to know your thoughts on marketers who show how much they make online. Is it inspiring? When is it too much?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen an in-depth discussion about this issue among marketers before, so let’s start one!
It depends on how the earnings are presented. If it is used appropriately as proof of authority (blogger that makes an actual earning), then by all means please. Other than proof, this will actually inspire others because it’s real and it can be done.
However, if the way it’s presented is just to mock other webmasters/bloggers who are barely making it online. Then that’s a different story altogether.
I do not like it when they show pictures, happy faces and that. Even cheques can sometimes be fake. I wouldn’t mind if you showed us your daily earnings, because we all know you, we’ve learned a lot from you and you’re one of the best online.
I guess it might be both ok and “not ok”. Its ok because it gives credibility to your readers that you know what you are doing. However, it not ok because when your income starts decreasing and you post it on your blog, it again starts being a detriment and reduces your credibility altogether.
I like that you bring this up Lisa; I think it’s an important topic. It’s crucial to have experience in the area you teach. Showing your income is one way to demonstrate that experience, and I know reputable marketers who use this tactic.
The downside is that once you open that door, you’re constantly in a game of having to *prove* your exact income, which of course…it’s entirely NOT the point. What you teach and the strategies you share are either legit or they’re not, and I hate the idea of people basing their opinion of you on how much money you make. It’s like a girl who will only date you based on what kind of car you drive; it’s unspeakably lame, actually.
I prefer to talk about how long I’ve been in the business, that it’s my only source of income, that I’ve worked with x-number of clients, displaying testimonials, etc. All equally verifiable and specific, but they don’t allow readers and customers to qualify you based solely on your income.
I think displaying your actual income is a fair way of demonstrating authority, but it also encourages potential customers to qualify you in the wrong way. If someone buys what you’re selling simply because you make more money than them, I think that’s a horrible reason to buy.
Not a fan at all of people showing their incomes, man, where is the privacy. The internet has a lot to answer for, it is like a bank walking out on to the street saying “hey, people. Look what I have here in my hand ay! you want my email, sure, you have that already, What! my address, no problem, just take a look at the car in the picture and you can see where I live” to some extent lol! Privacy people, showing income on the internet is just a little stupid if you ask me.
I believe when Shoemoney showed his Adsense check and asked others to send pictures, that wasn’t cheesy. That said, if someone makes income claims I believe they opened the door to problems.
I like when Marketers display income. I was definitely glad when you did, because it showed me that it can be done. There is no space for false or anything like this 🙂
Hi Lisa,
I’m in South Africa and was just wondering if Affiliate Marketing with ClickBank would be a good idea for me. I don’t have a social security number but i have friends and family in the US who do.
Thanks.
I’m not materialistic, maybe that is the reason why I’m not inspired by marketers who inform us how much they earn. I see that act as a marketing strategy especially if they’re into “how to make money online” ventures. I think, the only time I’ll get inspired is when they say to me how they get to that point in details. Knowing only the end result won’t make anyone be truly inspired. You have to show them the way and let them understand why it is important. Marketers should stop telling their earnings when no one ask about it. they should not broadcast it. just tell it to those who wants to know.
personally…i dont see a problem with it. my biggest problem is the guys saying that they make millions from adsense but cant show you their sites because you might steal their ideas. funny…given at the level 99% of web masters dont have the resources. i saw a guy on youtube with that gimmick. anyway…lisa’s stuff is done the right way. i have no problem seeing the check. good motivational tool.
I have been watching you and your YouTube videos for maybe 6 to 8 months. It is not bragging as long as you do not overdue. WE need to see it {show me the money}, just so we can get that extra kick in the pants to start doing the work to get to the level we want.
I like your honesty, and that is the reason I signed up for SBI through you. November of 2010. 2011 is my year.
Thank you for putting this information on the net.
M.
Lisa,
Personally, I always liked seeing how much someone makes, but I do think that people should be careful about a few things.
First, it shouldn’t take the place of content. It’s okay to show a check every now and then to help reaffirm your credibility, but people who do it monthly and make blog posts that talk about “how much money I made!!!” honestly seems to be both bragging and lazy to me. I’d prefer new content to repeated updates on your finances.
Second, I’d say that it would be pertinent to show a check from different sources instead of showing AdSense multiple times. If not that, maybe a graph that breaks down the portion of your income (without specifics) from various sources. Maybe I feel like seeing a check from a new place helps to validate it in my eyes. (Like I know you’ve posted AdSense and SiteSell checks before, if I’m not mistaken)
Finally, and this might go with the first thing I said, I’d prefer to see it used as a complement to your content, not the focal point. For instance, if you want to post your check to show credibility, don’t make a blog post titled “I MADE $2,308.22 FROM ADSENSE THIS MONTH!”, maybe use the picture in an article discussing some sort of analysis of your AdSense earnings. (IE: What you changed, trends you’ve noticed, all that business)
Just thinking aloud here; very interesting topic of discussion!
I’m a firm believer that some things need to be kept private…and income is one of them. I don’t mind showing maybe 1-2 checks, but that’s enough. Besides not only do I consider it as bragging, but there are often disadvantages to drawing attention to yourself like that. The more money you make, the more problems you see if you’re open about certain aspects of your life that should be kept closed from the public. I’m not saying it’s necessarily wrong for marketers to show their income…I’m just saying it’s not smart!
I’m not especially interested in marketers showing their incomes since I don’t particularly believe them, especially when it’s on a sales page for their money making product. We’ve all seen the pitches from countless snake oil sellers and I know that many of them don’t make much (some do). We also know how easy it is to create a fake income statement. Generally when I see the statement on the sales page it has the exact opposite effect on me. I am less likely to trust them.
Lisa, I appreciate it when you share your success by saying “I’ve been successful this month by making this change”, etc. The occasional mention of the income is good, too, because it keeps our eyes on the prize! 😀
However, I do agree that too much disclosure can come off as bragging. If you were “making it rain” all the time by telling us how much you made month to month to month, I would stop reading. Ha!
Great discussion! Loving the comments thus far. So what I’m hearing most of you say is that it’s usually fine within moderation AND if the disclosure comes with a point or more information for HOW the money was made.
Keep it going. I love hearing your feedback.
Nail on the head Lisa.
I want to know how the money was made.
They don’t have to go into specific amounts.
They could call it their number one earner or some other phrase.
Not sure what it is, perhaps it does come across as bragging but it always looks a bit “in your face” to me.
Nothing wrong with making money but flaunting it!
Not so sure.
As you say Lisa, not seen this subject discussed before.
Thanks for getting the ball rolling.
One other note, I do think sometimes actual numbers are important. I sometimes hear people recommending things to others based on the fact that it doubled or tripled their income, but using percentages doesn’t always provide a true picture as to what’s going on with that persons’ website or blog. Having your income increase from $1 per day to $2 per day is totally different than having your income increase from $100 per day to $200 per day, although in both cases the income doubled.
I enjoy reading the occasional report. What I enjoy about those is that they give me ideas on how others are doing things.
However, I don’t like if a blog puffs up or clearly exaggerates what they are doing. I find people really appreciate the honest status report even if a blog makes a small amount of income.
Also, I enjoy when bloggers talk about their upcoming ideas and maybe things they learned during the period.
Quite honestly, I don’t believe most marketers when they show their earnings. I do believe you. I don’t think it is needed. But if true it can create motivation. But their should be a disclaimer like in the infomercials, “these results are not typical”.
Showing pics of cars and houses is over the top, IMO. But I do love it when internet marketers reveal how much they are making.
First, it provides them with credibility. In my niche, it would be ridiculous for me to share how much my website is earning, but it IS very important for me to share some photos or stories showing that I also live the lifestyle I write about.
Likewise, I think it is important that someone who is telling others how to make money online shares info showing that he or she is actually making money online. I like seeing actual numbers and totals, but I am pretty nosey. I think it is totally understandable (and probably wise) that some would not want to share to that level of detail.
Another reason I like knowing how much internet marketers are making is because I find it very inspiring. Internet marketing is hard work, and much of that work is done up front while making very little. Sometimes I need a reminder that it will all pay off.
I also want to echo the appreciation offered by others here. Thank you for all you do, Lisa! I could not have done it without you.
As Paul pointed out, “Those that show earnings in this manner usually try to help others achieve their own financial success.” I love it when they show income because it is a blueprint. It gives you a realistic picture of the life of a blogger. I don’t see it as bragging at all.
Hi Lisa,
The practice of Marketers showing their “Income” is very, very, crass… The ONLY time and the ONLY industry that I’ve ever seen this done is in Internet Marketing…
With all of the phony, “photo shopped” Income Claims being used, I’m surprised that the FTC has not banned the practice.
I believe that Internet Marketers started this practice to prove to people that money COULD be made in this very NEW, very DIFFERENT Industry. However, there are still those who will fake it…
There is NO other Industry requires this unwritten law…
Do Bakers have to show THEIR Income as proof that THEIR Baked Goods sell and that you should become a Baker? NO!!!
Also, if a very talented, yet financially broke Artist, encourages others to become Artists, is she wrong for doing that? NO!!! Just because ONE Person is not making money with his/her craft does not mean that others cannot, and the opposite is also true…
Each person needs to assess the possibilities of success in his/her own endeavors, based upon the passion that he/she has, and the happiness that those endeavors brings to that person…
Clearly, being able to support one’s self doing what one loves is a blessing in life that most people NEVER accomplish… But if they are HAPPY participating in a particular activity or industry, and they can spread the secrets of acquiring that happiness to others, everyone wins.
Again, there are many great acting coaches and directors whom have never, themselves, been hired as actors, so should they discourage people from taking their advice about acting? NO!!!
The practice of showing one’s income can be a double edged sword, because some people may be turned off by what they consider bragging, while others may be put off because the Income exposed may not be high enough for them!
No one can guarantee that you will earn the exact amount of money that they did, unless each of you is working for a BOSS and earning the same salary, and I don’t think that is what people get into Internet Marketing for…
Aside from being crass, showing your $$$$$ is also dangerous when you think about it. Constantly disclosing your income could put you at risk of becoming a victim of Theft or Robbery, from strangers and those closest to you…
Lisa, your approach to limit these disclosures is very smart.
Don’t cave in to the people who ask you to do it. Many of us who enjoy your Valuable FREE Content have made money doing what you already given us… You don’t have anything to Prove 🙂
Thanks for the Post.
Take care,
Dr. Michael (The D.O.C.)
“Keep On, Keeping On…”
Lisa, I am new to your blog fairly speaking but in one weekend I think I watched every video you made while I cleaned my house. I carried my laptop around with me.
I think it should be posted from a blogging angle. That’s the visitors that are wanting to know. They want to know it’s possible to make a living online or to just pay an electric bill or their hosting fees. They want to know, we want to know , I want to know. No ones talking.
How long does it take on average with effort of course-3days,3months,3years(NOT depends)
What was the hook when you knew this was going to be worth it and when did it happen time wise? Overnite, in a month a year? Was it slowly built up, a guest post from a larger site, networking? You got lucky and met someone that mentioned you? What was the one thing….
How do you monetize your site-with adsense, product advertisers such as mommy bloggers, a link to an ecommerce site, etc.?
If its monetized by advertisers, how did they approach you or vice versa, how did you know what to do with the contract or how did you negotiate.
What do advertisers pay based on traffic? What is normal.
I wish you would interview other bloggers, mommy bloggers, personal bloggers, business bloggers with some sort of list like this and let us know their reactions. They could remain anonymous if they choose.
I think the issue with seeming braggish only comes from the view of other blog owners. Not from visitors looking to get inspired and wondering if they can do it. We are interested.
Whew! Sorry most I have been wanting to bend bloggers ears about this forever.
I guess it all depends on how you present it.
If you just put the picture of the check and no explanations, I guess it can be construed as being “braggadocious”. However if you go: here’s my earning and here’s how it was split, and what I did this month different from the others to generate $$ more, NOBODY will every think you’re bragging.
I can totally understand where you are coming from on the “picture of car and house”. It reminds me a lot of the MLM marketing flyers / ads I got though the post.
I think if shared correctly, it can be inspiring to those starting out. Gives hope.
Be careful discussing with family & friends….often you barely get started and they are ridiculing you…
Also, if you are recruiting people into a business, or helping them learn to make money online, giving an exact figure can be a killer.
If you are making $200/mo they are like, “That’s all????”
They don’t realize it takes time….
If you’re making $2,000/mo they say, “I could NEVER do that”- they are intimidated…….
Speaking of family and friends, I’m posting about that exact subject on my blog in a little while…..
Stop in and check it out….
I like it when other Internet marketers state their earnings from Adsense and affiliate marketing. This lets me know what is possible. However, sometimes it seems that people over exaggerate their earnings. On another site I read that someone was making over 8,000 a month with an Amazon Astore, but I don’t believe this person. At least with you, Lisa, we can trust what you say. In fact, as long as people are honest about it, I’d like to know traffic stats and Web site earnings from everyone so that I could compare where I’m at to where I could potentially go.
I think the major purpose of showing earnings is to inspire others. It helps in strengthening the motivation of online earners. I was one of the people motivated by Lisa’s earnings.
It all depends on the nature of the post when they mention their earnings. There are some bloggers which I follow who show what they earn and more importantly how as a way to inspire and I find that great because it does spur me on and shows me other avenues of earning potential. It also highlights what can be made when worked at and many people need to be able to see a figure to see what is tangible for different avenues. But then there are some bloggers who’s tone when writing about their earnings is very much a “look at me” which makes me turn off.
So I don’t mind people disclosing their earnings when they feel comfortable doing so but only when it is meant as a form of encouragement.
I think you are doing just fine by limiting the amount of checks you show. All I need to see is one good check and I’m all in. I do find it to be a somewhat annoying when people “bragg” about all the money they make. I think one or two income postings is fine.
Hi Lisa,
I wish you good health and keep doing more of your videos.
Of course I would like to know as much as possible about the—but legitimate—earnings of those we are following.
They are the products in which we are putting our time, money and wishes.
In ‘betting’ for that ‘product’ we are depriving of other opportunities—so we have to do a wise decision.
Also—that kind of inner information make us fill like in family—or to the matter—like a business associate.
Regards
In context it is ok, but I don’t think I need to see a cheque or a screen capture of a PayPal account to prove it, a mention of the earnings is suffice.
I guess when I think of cheques being shown I always think of the mass produced “become a millionaire” sites, which in my opinion lack credibility .
I for one, love to see marketers show/reveal their income and try to derive motivation from it. However, when it comes to sharing my own income, for some reason, I’m not comfortable doing so 😛
Yes, I like when Marketers display income. I was definitely glad when you did, because it showed me that it can be done. You also, made it clear that it did not just happen overnight. So there was no false hope given. It was truly inspirational for me. It gave me incentive.
I guess you have to show us something to build up your credibility. It does get depressing though seeing those numbers and wanting to reach that level, when in reality, it probably isn’t in the cards for most of us.
I think doing a monthly report on your earnings is way over the board. That’s bragging, not blogging!
If you are using some sort of tool or plugin which helps you to generate more income then I guess it’s ok to let your readers know that hey, you can use this as well to get extra $$$.
But showing off on your readers isn’t really necessary.
Great article Lisa.
I don’t mind when internet marketers show what they make sometimes, but when they do it too often it gets annoying. There are blogs that I have stopped reading because the content is mostly “Look at how much I made this week.” That’s not really interesting to me.
Lisa, the other day I saw a post over on DragonBlogger’s blog and I like what he did. Justin was sure to list his expenses for the month so that people could see a true picture of his earnings. He has a multi-author blog that focuses on tech, but includes movie reviews, gaming and some other entertainment topics. What I learned from him is not just that he’s getting a lot of traffic, but I also learned what does he invest his money (and time) in so that he can generate that type of income. I find more value in this type of income reporting.
What’s your take on that?
@Ileane I think detailed posts that show the full picture (how much time is invested, etc.) are beneficial because it makes the post useful and gives people an idea of what’s involved. I think those are fine and can be helpful if you don’t mind sharing.
With all of the new regulations and everything, I think it’s best to not show your income., (at least any specifics) If you give good content, you’ll be fine.
I stopped showing my income monthly but I did show an income summary for the year end primarily because I told my readers that I would document my income in my first full year of self employment (I got fires in Oct 2009).
When I surpassed my goal of earning $150k I had to share it because I wanted to update everyone on my goals. I also shared because I wanted to show people what is possible. Lastly it’s also something I did because I want people to know when they read my blog they are learning from someone that actually knows what they are talking about.
My 2 cents
Hi Lisa,
I don’t blame you for being cautious about this. While every now and then it’s nice to get a breakdown of how much people are earning online, if overdone, it eventually becomes a post that I ignore.
There’s one blogger I’m thinking of in particular who posts his income literally every month and I’ve myself reading those posts less and less. Every quarter would probably create enough scarcity for me to care.
Another reason why I think it should be limited, is because people suddenly begin to think what you’ve done is easy and happened overnight – they may get disappointed when they don’t see the same results.
Hi Lisa,
It can be inspiring, but it then becomes a bit much when marketers are showing off where they vacation, the cars they drive and etc.
I believe some things should be kept private. But I don’t see anything wrong with sharing for the sake of building credibility and inspiring others. I love the way you do it. You present just enough to let us know that we can do it. I find it very inspiring!
Take care,
Evelyn
I do like it – because its often surprising (both in good and bad ways). However it makes me question their business sense. Not necessarily a good thing to have those kind of details in the public.
I never felt it has too much! It was inspiring for me
Couldn’t agree more on the sincerity aspect others have mentioned. The thing is you are worried about it being construed as bragging because you know you make a comfortable living from it, but your sincerity shows that you would take the exact same approach even if you weren’t so fortunate. Certainly makes your approach anything but braggadocious (<–love it) in my opinion.
I don’t mind if marketers show their earnings if they “aspire to inspire.” There are times where I wonder if they show earnings as a means of gloating, especially if they provide no value to their reader on how much work was involved.
I personally don’t show my earnings, and I notice that many of the more well-known earners show graphs and charts without numbers. Those that show earnings in this manner usually try to help others achieve their own financial success.
The ones that I really chuckle at are those that have “make money online” sites and show checks for a few bucks. We all need a good life now and then.
Hi Lisa:
What I like about your income disclosure is that you put things in context. You explain how you got to where you are with adsense, for example. YOu are not trying to entice people to jump into an affiliate program without background understanding. That is the difference with your discussion. Honesty and full disclosure. I agree with Fred that your sincerity makes you stand out from those that are using smoke and mirrors. Thanks Lisa, I learn a lot from your information.
I agree with Ann, Lisa shares like a business, while other marketer comes to sell dream. Lisa’s way is like https://flippa.com/buy/sold when people are buying, they are buying performance and results, not the dreams. One is focusing on financial statement, the other one focusing on possibilities. Leading with lifestyle & cash usually end up losing relationship with the client. Honesty and transparency and real numbers brings long term clients. Lisa is great model of treating people like people. Thank you Lisa.
Lisa, your videos, tutorials, and GREAT information is enough when it comes to credibility and trust! What we know about your income already is enough proof as to whats possible out here, so I don’t think you have to go any further!
It always cracks me up when money experts show their homes or cars because they aren’t selling cars or homes. They are stroking greed. It’s as comical as a casino.
You actually seem reluctant whenever you discuss earnings. I like that. The information is motivation enough for me. I waded through lots of sites before I found you, Lisa. And the parodies of money experts are quite plentiful on the net. Your sincerity made you stand out from the parodies.
I think you strike the perfect balance because you’re well past the beginner phase and earning a regular income now.