This is a little on the late side; I should have had this posted last week. Oops. This is why it is important for bloggers to have- and use- an editorial calendar. But better late then never! So, without further ado, I give you my first quarter update to the 2013 $3k challenge.
$3k Challenge income
From a pure income standpoint, I’ve nearly exceeded my 2012 total earnings. First quarter income is $692. On that pace, I would come very close to hitting my $3k goal.
Unfortunately, most of those earnings were on a one-time freelance deal that I don’t expect to repeat any time soon. But if anyone has any old blog posts that need to be updated to fix broken links or images, or SEO metadata added, I’m your guy. Contact me for rates and more information.
Here is the breakdown:
- Advertising: $153.50
- Freelancing: $527.50
- SEAM Publishing: $0
- Taco Seasoning: $10
Advertising
Advertising came from a variety of sources. This number should be higher next quarter since I’m expecting to hit the payment threshold for AdSense for the first time ever. Only took 2 1/2 years!
Using Viraliti for Pinterest advertising, I’ve made eight cents so far, but I’ve only been at it for a week. Time will tell how that will do. I haven’t had a Sponsored Tweet opportunity in some time. Has anybody else seen any activity there?
Finally, advertising through Foodie BlogRoll is finally picking up. Every month this year has seen earnings over $3, as opposed to <$.50 I was getting. While there is no payment threshold, it does take 4 months to receive payment. So next quarter will see the boost in income.
Freelancing
Aside from the large freelance opportunity I had in January, I will also include my income from Penny Thots. Penny Thots is a multi-author blog project. I write primarily about kitchen frugality. Income here is still pretty low, but the site is starting to grow.
SEAM Publishing
SEAM Publishing did have one Fiverr gig last week, but I haven’t actually received any money from that yet. So that $4 will be counted in the next quarter.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning did have one sale back in January. Working on the separate website for that is on the to-do list, after getting the WildTree (see below) site taken care of.
Expenses
- domain fees: $11
- fees: $16
- taco seasoning supplies: $6.50
- other*: $100
- taxes: $190
*This was for a project I’m working on to try to turn a faltering network marketing deal into more of an affiliate platform. I could use someone who knows JavaScript. If that is you, contact me! For now, if you are interested in buying organic seasoning mixes and infused oils, for now you can visit my wife’s WildTree website.
So total expenses are $325.50, with taxes obviously taking the lion’s share of that. That puts actual revenue at $368.50
In other news, I am just a month away from having accrued enough in Amazon gift cards from surveys and SwagBucks to get my Kindle Fire.
2013 $3K Challenge Sponsors
Financial support for the 2013 $3k Challenge was provided by Sophisticated Spender, My Personal Finance Journey, Frugal Toad, One Cent At A Time, KNS Financial, and The Financial Monk.
Okay, $3K Challengers! How did you do for your first quarter? Enter your numbers in the comments below by April 10.
Related articles
