$8.8k from my small website in 2024

Hi there,

I’ve shared quite a few updates about my website’s organic growth and Google updates in my previous emails.

But one thing I’ve rarely discussed is how my website makes money. 

Monetization wasn’t my primary goal in 2024, so it didn’t get much of the spotlight.

To my surprise, despite limited time, my website earned $8,841.57 in 2024 through affiliate marketing and sponsorships. This was unexpected, considering I only published 12 blog posts and updated a few existing pages last year.

I didn’t even touch link-building! Yet, somehow, things worked out. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of my affiliate and sponsorship earnings for the year:

I’m sure you are curious about what has worked well for me. So, here are the insights.

1. Google recognized consistent effort

After Google’s August Core Update and December Spam Update, a few of my pages hit the top positions, doubling my organic traffic! 

Now, my site gets over 10,000 visitors every month. 

Over half of that traffic lands on one specific page, AI SEO tools I published in January 2024.

That post has been a steady traffic driver — and it’s also responsible for the majority of the affiliate commissions I earned last year.

2. Priority to money-making topics 

Traffic means nothing if it doesn’t help your business grow.

It took me a while to realize that I needed to shift my focus to topics with commercial search intent.

That’s when I started writing tool reviews, creating tool alternatives lists, and diving deep into tool comparisons.

Slowly but surely, things started to turn around. I started getting affiliate commissions— nothing huge at first, but enough to make a difference.

By 2024, I was having $500–$1,000+ months. 

3. Search engine optimization is key 

Even the most amazing content won’t rank or perform if it’s not optimized.

That’s why I never skip keyword research and always plan my content for at least a quarter ahead. 

Lately, I’ve been using Ahrefs for keyword research because they’ve rolled out a budget-friendly Starter plan for creators and site owners - $29/month.

Now, you can access Ahrefs’ core features, including Keyword Explorer and AI Content Helper—an incredible deal, considering I used to pay $129 for the same toolkit.

It’s a game-changer for creators like you and me!

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What’s next? 

I’ve set an ambitious goal for myself this year: doubling my website income and hitting at least $16,000 by the end of 2025. 

That’s just $1,333 a month — not a crazy amount, right? 

I’ve had months like that before in 2024, but the income wasn’t steady.

This time, I’m all in. 

I’m determined to crush it. I know a few more high-ranking articles with commercial intent could make all the difference.

Let’s see how it plays out! 

Either way, I’ll keep you updated on the journey all year long.

Have a great weekend!

Victoria

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