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!
Most of the success blogger would like to show their income with how many digit to their fans or blog. Why they do that?
Because they want to grab attention from others and they would like others to believe him.
But i hate those action because even he said it i also wont believe it unless i found the information they provide are useful.
They show off their income like wonder when would have people kidnap them.
Do not follow their step which most people would take it as spam page !!!!
I totally agree with you here, there is no greater turn off to me than a internet marketer that right off the bat is shoving their earnings in your face, as if that is supposed to demonstrate credibility. For one, anyone could fake an adsense cheque or screenshot, and for two – I want to see quality content to prove that you have credibility, not some $ signs. I appreciate your opinion here, and I don’t think it totally wrong to ever show earnings, especially when people ask, but it has to be done in the right way – exactly as you say, to avoid appearing as bragging.
It can be really braggadocious showing off all the houses, cars, sailboats, and you name it! You, however Lisa have managed to give just the right amount of information, using just the right approach to inspire people to want to be a part of what you are doing. You have earned yourself such credibility online, because of your honesty and the way you explain and teach what you know, that you will never have to worry about what or how much you disclose. We know who you are, and you are way above the parodies.
http://www.healthylivingnow.org
“If we all treat each other like we treat ourselves – what a wonderful place earth would be.”
I personally think it’s personal if the webmaster want to show their income or not. Some people like it and some people think they’re bragging without really knowing their intentions.
But I have come up to the conclusion that they stop doing it once the income is moderately high. I wonder why?
I like to see other “real” (human) bloggers income, I feel it motivates me when I see other guys that started small and are making an extra income doing something they like. I’m just no interested in big companies that I know I will probably never be at their level by myself.
But that’s also personal if you like it or not (other people showing their income)
Most Of The Incomes Being Shown Are A CON!
Maybe thats a bit naughty to say that but there is a video on Youtube that shows how anyone can use javascript to change all the details of any account. I haven’t got the link to hand but you could look it up.
Personally I prefer to look at the website stats, the amount of traffic and how much the site is worth. That tells me a lot more than a generated image.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing your income details but I agree that its much more productive to show how you made it. I do believe that most people are more interested in how much they can make (the what’s in it for me factor – WIIFM).
With regard to boats, cars and houses that actually can be a very effective sales method but it’s best reserved for proper sales letters and done tastefully. It needs to suggest that’s what the person reading CAN have rather than what the person writing DOES have. I know it works and it’s very effective here in the UK.
I’d better stop now before I get boring….
Have never really trusted those who are very quick to show their different bank accounts. Those “snap shots” can be faked, and when they try to show how much they are making in the first 30 seconds, I’m pretty sure they don’t have anything else interesting to say.
I like it when Internet marketers show off their real income as it shows that they are really earning money from some affiliate or other programs and it motivates people to join
Hmm.. never thought of it as bragging.
But, as long as you are showing your earnings for a purpose, I don’t see a problem.
Yeah Lisa I think you are right on not showing your income. Well I have seen a lot marketers showing their income and we all know that is not the truth about their real money.
I like it when people show you can make money online it is very encouraging. I haven’t believed a lot of people making all these mega bucks. But you on the other hand I believe everything you say. You are very for informative on your site and I have learned more on your site than anywhere. I am very glad you are making money you deserve it. Thank you for sharing with us. I will be glad when I can make money just getting started and you are one of the reasons I did. Thanks Sarah
Lisa,
I think you’ve shown way more than expected about your income, and I think it more than suffices. Although to see your house and car would be entertaining, you’ve done enough. 🙂
Ti
Frankly, I really like it when internet marketers show their earnings. Most of them are very proud of their achievements.
I’m not materialistic, maybe that is the reason why I’m not inspired by marketers who inform us how much they earn. I do believe that it is just one marketing strategy for success (or not quite) especially if they’re into “how to make money online” ventures. The only time I get inspired is when they are generous enough to share how they did it and reach the top. Knowing the end result of everything won’t make us see the importance of the goal. You have to show them the way and let them understand why it is important and it’s not a get rich quick scheme. They should not show it off but just tell it to those who want to know, specifically.
i share my earning statistics every half year, to show my customers that i permantly grow
I used to but I’ve stepped back – I may just do quarterly now because what happens is that you get into this bad mindset just like checking your stats constantly – you get too caught up in the numbers.
Additionally, I think it can be discouraging to some readers because everyone is at different levels, ya know?
i have heard both ends of the spectrum on this for years now. personally, i have no issues with it, in fact i do it on my blog. social proof works, as repeatedly proven by experiments. if an internet marketer’s goal is to make that sale, i see no problem in using social proof to their benefit, so as long as it is legitimate. the issue is the fabricated garbage that floats all over the web.
I publish my earnings every month for 2 reasons:
1. I want to show people that it is possible to make money and hopefully inspire them to try it themselves.
2. People will call you a liar if they don’t see proof.
It depends. When it’s marketers trying to sell me their program it’s a total turn off and feels pretty scammy like they are making promises that if I pay them for their info then I can make that money too. I am curious and like to know, but I’m also very skeptical. The most inspiring earnings that I’ve seen posted have been on HubPages where writers have been very honest about making their first $.03 after 4 months and 30 hubs, but also show it gradually growing from there over 2-3 years to an income that I could live off of. I believe it for one thing, compared to the “I made $10,000 in my first month” kind of claims. And it also helps me set goals that I can reach. When I made $2.38 my first month on HubPages I was really happy because I was comparing it to real numbers and not some pipe dream. I don’t mind seeing the ups and downs either. It’s good to know that December is a good month for some people and it’s not the end of the world if January is not as good. I think it’s a great benefit to see what people are earning in order to set expectations and plan around what is possible, not just what I’d like to see happen. I’m one of those obsessive people who needs to know how much, how long, how many before I can settle down and start actually working.
I think its great marketers showing their income reports I have been interested for years about making money online and its nice to actually see some reports. Showing houses,cars etc is all part of the game kudos to these guys and gals.
I find your disclosures inspirational. I wouldn’t like it if you were showing your “toys.” I don’t care about the “toys;” I care about the freedoms internet success will bring me. When I watched your video on your record earnings month, that really inspired me to get on the ball! Your earnings were realistic and you always preface them with how much hard work it took to earn that check. I probably saw that video about a month ago and since then I have registered domains, got a hosting company, purchased and begun learning Dreamweaver, installed WordPress, created Twitter accounts and Facebook pages, and just a few minutes before writing this comment, I successfully uploaded my first niche content website! (My content might still be under construction, but all my navigation links work. LOL!) So thank you for making that earnings video; if you hadn’t, I don’t think I would be as far along as I am now. : )