Of course, they give me the opportunity to make a little bit of money to hopefully and eventually benefit my family for my time on the blog. For instance, if you want to buy ANYthing from Amazon, if you come here first, click through to their site any of the Amazon links or search box, I get a small percentage of anything you buy after you get there...As long as you check out within the day.
But mostly, I wanted to let you know that I don't choose the advertisers or links lightly. I apply to only those that offer products that I would gladly use at home, and who offer items or services I think my readers would enjoy knowing about. I have done business with all the specific advertisers I've posted on my blog, except one, whose products specifically impressed me and I felt I might try in the future.
Amazon: What can I say you probably don't already know about Amazon? They have almost everything, and for the best prices. I am a bookaholic and can easily add book after book to my cart. It's our main source for movies, and I buy a lot of kitchen tools, many homeschool materials, and music from them. Most of my Christmas shopping is done on Amazon.
Discount School Supply: This a wonderful business from which to buy art and school supplies of all kinds and in all amounts. They have good prices and fast service. They also have toys and furniture.
Katom: I love restaurant supply stores. It's nice to find stores that offer containers and pans that are suitable for the size of our big family. This is one of the many on-line options, but I found them because they had the best prices for the Vollrath Tribute tri-ply pots and pans. They also have nice offerings for residential use, like Lodge cast iron pans and table ware.
Melissa & Doug Toys: Another family weakness is educational toy stores. We like any toys the kids get to be durable, and to require creativity, problem-solving, and other educational/developmental skills in a fun way. Melissa & Doug offers many of our all-time favorite toys and games, with prompt service, and at good prices.
My Own Labels and My Wedding Labels: This is the business I haven't tried myself yet, but I think their product looks fun and useful. They custom make cool-looking labels, tags, and cards for gift giving, special occasions, and special correspondence. The jar labels caught my eye first, but there is so much more. They have a special wedding site for creating custom invitations, thank you notes, reception favors, etc., etc. Fun, creative, attractive. They do the work, but you have input.
Williams-Sonoma: While the restaurant supply stores offer kitchen gear in size and basic practicality, Williams-Sonoma offers top kitchen product brands in beauty and elegance. Not to say it's not at all practical, and their items are of high quality. I haven't bought from them often, but I'd love to if budget would allow. The All-Clad 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker is at the top of my wish list. In addition, the website has videos that show how to use the products, and they offer recipes and other information.
Rhome--I am intrigued. I have been blogging since 2007 but only now am thinking to try to monetize a little. How did you get the ads?
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad this was somehow helpful or interesting. I didn't want to seem like I was pushing anything. I want to keep my monetization at a low profile. I may have fouled that up a bit by adding the latest 3, but they are businesses I like.
ReplyDeleteAmazon has their own affiliates program (there is a link at the bottom of any Amazon page...It says "Join Associates"). Once you sign up, the links, banners, and product links are something they offer, and are fairly easy to use.
The rest of my advertisers were found through Google Affiliates. That's another thing you sign up for...Once you do that, there is a LONG list of advertisers. You 'apply' to the ones you're interested in. Some will accept you immediately, some put you through some sort of scrutiny to see if your blog is appropriate to their business, and it may take a few days to hear from them. If you're 'accepted,' you return to the Google Affiliates site, where you can get or create the specific links, banners, etc.
Let me know if this isn't clear enough to help.
That Belgian Waffle maker is on my wishlist, too! We love Melissa & Doug toys & puzzles, too! Yes they cost more than the cheap plastic things, but if they could last through WD's childhood(and they did,) then they're priceless.
ReplyDeleteI seriously love the overflow concept on that waffle maker after years of cleaning half-cooked batter out of the controls on our other ones. And we have smaller ones, so have to run 2 or 3 at a time.
ReplyDeleteMelissa and Doug's puzzles are great ones. Thanks for being so consistent in stopping by!
Thanks! And yes, I would love the waffle maker, too!
ReplyDeleteElaine-- I'm just getting over to read this post. Thanks so much for sending to me...a while ago (like weeks?) Today, I filled out my application for amazon. Hope to make the changes in my side bar as soon as I hear back from them.
ReplyDeleteI like lots of the ads you've shown here. I read the TOS agreement and guess I skimmed OVER the part of getting to choose, though I did click some categories. I'll see how it all works out.
You've been a big help. Thanks, again. Pat
Why not make a bit of money....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this info.
Sandy