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How To Make Money on HubPages

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By Maddie Ruud


What's the main reason you use HubPages?

  • To make money
  • To share knowledge
  • SEO for other sites
  • Community interaction
See results without voting

I'm not going to make money on this hub. I'm not selling an eBook promising some magic formula that will shower you in effortless wealth. Heck, I'm not even running ads on the page! After all HubPages has given me, I'm just giving a little back.

I first started hubbing a year and a half ago, and by the time I joined the HubPages team as Community Manager six months ago, I was already making over $1000 a month from AdSense on my hubs. (Yes, it's continued to grow since then.) By popular request among users, this, my 200th hub, is dedicated to passing on some simple tips for boosting traffic and earnings.

Note: When I sat down to write it, I quickly realized that I have much more to say on the subject than could possibly fit in a single hub, so look for forthcoming hubs that address the points I make here in more detail.

Making Money on HubPages

The key to HubPages success is this: write good hubs.  I know that's not what your average user wants to hear, but it's the truth.  If making money were as easy as copying, pasting, and link-dropping, you could train your pet monkey to do it.  Unfortunately, it requires some thought and effort, initially.  The good news is, on HubPages you only have to do the work once, and it keeps on paying off.

So now the question becomes, how do you write a good, money-making hub?  Since this isn't an English lesson, I'll take you through some important aspects of building the hub itself, and let you fill in the details.


Increase your earnings!
Increase your earnings!

Types of Traffic

When creating a hub for the purpose of making money, it's vital to understand that traffic alone won't bring in the bucks.  Not all traffic is created equal.  Traffic from within HubPages, for example, will not make you any money at all. 

HubPages Traffic

If you think about it, this is common sense--people who are already here on HubPages read your hubs in a mindset of community participation.  They often leave very thoughtful comments, and might join your fan club, which feels great, but they are not going to click on any ads.

Social Bookmarking

Likewise, visitors from social bookmarking sites like Digg, Stumbleupon, Mixx, and Reddit are probably reading your hubs in the mentality of casual web-surfing.  They are not necessarily looking for a page on your specific topic, they are simply browsing things that other people have found interesting.  I, personally, do not bother bookmarking my hubs.  Most of these sites have policies against submitting your own work, so you can not only get yourself banned, you may also penalize all hub listings across the entire site.  If one of your hubs is on a topic that is likely to be popular on social bookmarking sites, someone else will probably submit it.

Search Engine Traffic

The type of traffic that monetizes best is search engine traffic.  Visitors who come from Google searches (just as an example... Yahoo or AOL or any other search engine as well) are actively seeking out information on your topic.  And if they're doing that, there is a higher probability that they will click on ads that offer relevant information or related products.

Building A Money-Making Hub

Once you understand the types of traffic, and which one you're going for, you're already half way there. It's important to pick a good topic, title, and relevant tags, but these tasks become infinitely easier when you have a goal in mind: making your hubs search-worthy and searchable.

Over time, I'll be adding hubs to this series, addressing particular elements of hub building and sharing specific tips to make hubs that make money!  If there's a specific topic you'd like me to address in more detail sooner, rather than later, leave a comment with your request.

Comments

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jimmythejock profile image

jimmythejock  says:
13 months ago

Congrats on Hub 200 Maddie and thankyou for sharing some of your secrets lol, the truth is that you are a great writer first and foremost and your work deserves to be read.....jimmy

MrMarmalade profile image

MrMarmalade  says:
13 months ago

i sincerely thank you.

I have not attempted to make any money from Hub Pages. May be one day when I have served my apprenticeship, that day may come.

Again thank you and congratulations

Paul Edmondson profile image

Paul Edmondson  says:
13 months ago

Hi Maddie, I'm looking forward to your series. It's rare that people who are successful actually say how they do it. I'm sure your over 1400 fans will appreciate the series.

Maddie Ruud profile image

Maddie Ruud  says:
13 months ago

Paul:

I think it's true that many people are protective of what they might consider "secrets" to success (often because they want to make money selling them), but the great thing about HubPages is that me making money and someone else making money are not mutually exclusive.

Also, I just think it's good karma. When I joined HubPages, I sort of floundered around and hit upon these things through trial and error. What seems like common sense to me now was Greek to me then, and I could have used someone pointing out some of the things I now take for granted when I write hubs.

I don't feel threatened by the prospect of sharing. In the end, I can impart knowledge, but not necessarily wisdom. I can help people with the "how-to," but I can't do it for 'em.

sminut13 profile image

sminut13  says:
13 months ago

i agree, you can help with the how to but not do it. i can't wait for your series also. i definitely need help though once i'm more free in the near future, i'll be coming back again to look through your tips and start writing again. for now, on hiatus hehe and grats on your 201 posts now^_^

jerrysmarketmerge profile image

jerrysmarketmerge  says:
13 months ago

Hi Maddie! I am also looking forward to your hubs. I write about seniors and attraction marketing and give before you take is the concept of attraction marketing and you are surely giving.

Thanks

Jerry

MM Del Rosario profile image

MM Del Rosario  says:
13 months ago

Hi Maddie,

thanks for sharing your secrets, I enjoy reading your hubs and looking forward in reading more of this series. Wow...i wish I can make a 1000 a month from adsense..... right now I am very happy that I receive 100 a month from adsense.

All the best!!!

Sascha H profile image

Sascha H  says:
13 months ago

Again, great information! I'm looking forward to the other hubs in this series.Thanks.

nramos profile image

nramos  says:
13 months ago

Great hub you have here. :) I'm trying to make money from HubPages myself hehe.

Ryan Hupfer profile image

Ryan Hupfer  says:
13 months ago

Great tips, Maddie....a solid way to breek through the 200 mark. It's also probably worth telling how long an average Hub takes you to complete and what steps you go through before actually sitting down and writing. Things like research, organization, finding media to insert, etc.

Maddie Ruud profile image

Maddie Ruud  says:
13 months ago

I'm on it, Hup. I plan to lay it all out, bit by bit, breaking it up into separate hubs addressing separate aspects of hub building. Just be patient... I still want to write the stuff that actually makes me the money too. ;)

dclevinger profile image

dclevinger  says:
13 months ago

Great hub!! Thank you so much. I just signed up and am very excited by the possibilities here. I look forward to reading more.

Jim Hickey profile image

Jim Hickey  says:
13 months ago

Hi Maddie, Fantastic Hub and great information. I look forward to the rest of your series as it flows along. Thanks so much for providing such helpful insight.

Michael  says:
13 months ago

Great Hub. Your nailed it on the head that traffic from search engines is normally always targeted traffic. Thanks for some great info

Danette Hibberd profile image

Danette Hibberd  says:
13 months ago

Hello Maddie,

Awesome information especially for a newbie such as me.

Thanks

Information Ninja profile image

Information Ninja  says:
12 months ago

I used to be a squidoo guy, but then I discovered hubpages and I became a big fan. 200 hubs; WoW! keep it up. great hub.

AEvans profile image

AEvans  says:
12 months ago

Maddie, Thank you for the tips I am going to take them and run!!:)

jmichaels59 profile image

jmichaels59  says:
12 months ago

As I see, all your hubs are greatm this is no exception! Great stuff

Dottie1 profile image

Dottie1  says:
12 months ago

Thanks Maddie, there is soo much information to absorb when you are learning and is so important to get the right information from the right source in the first place. You are that right source for me. Congrats on your 200th hub. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Great Work!

coffeesnob profile image

coffeesnob  says:
12 months ago

Thanks Maddie,

Good insight

idea4u profile image

idea4u  says:
12 months ago

Thnks Maddie

I am Murali .. A very good information in a clear way.. keep it up

myway720 profile image

myway720  says:
12 months ago

Great hub! And thanks for the info. I joined hub pages about 4 months ago and have 22 hubs so far. I've made about 24 cents from adsense so far and would like to know how to make more money and you've provided good insight. I have the feeling that, while I have many tags for my hubs, they are not quite the right ones, or are worded in the wrong way. I also wonder if my titles are tripping me up with the way they are worded. Any advice would help. Again, Thanks!

rockinjoe profile image

rockinjoe  says:
11 months ago

Thanks, Maddie. Wise words from someone who knows. The only social bookmarking site I deal with on a regular basis is Digg. I've never made the front page, but I have done well in converting Digg hits to Adsense. Maybe I just got lucky.

Bruce Elkin profile image

Bruce Elkin  says:
11 months ago

THanks for this, Maddie. I hadn't thought about actually making money from Adsense, but you make it sound easier than I thought it would be. Much appreciated!

affiliater profile image

affiliater  says:
10 months ago

Not to mention, all your hubs are great pieces - way to go... girl...

Reg Brittain profile image

Reg Brittain  says:
9 months ago

Hi Maddie. I use this great hub as a guide and reread it often. Looking forward to the next in the series.

sakhan24 profile image

sakhan24  says:
9 months ago

i like your writings it is both informative and helpful

sukkran profile image

sukkran  says:
7 months ago

thks for this great info. it is very useful like a text book.

roastedpinebark profile image

roastedpinebark  says:
7 months ago

Man Maddie, I wish I had come across this when I first started. I amdoing the correct things on hubpages and I can already see that adsense is starting to trickle in. After a month I got my first click, now I'm up to a click per week after taking a month off because of a jam-packed schedule. I got on yesterday with the feelings that I didn't care about not making my monetary goal but I just want to share information with others, you helped to encourage my goals again. Thank you, especially for your comments in forums!

Louidam1 profile image

Louidam1  says:
7 months ago

Very good information and I enjoyed your Hub.

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites  says:
7 months ago

Thanks, Maddie, I'm learning from you!! Keep writing...=))

goldeye_78 profile image

goldeye_78  says:
7 months ago

Thanks for that imformation.

aniketgore profile image

aniketgore  says:
7 months ago

Very good information. But to get good on google rank doesnt it required to social bookmark your site for backlinking

tadzio profile image

tadzio  says:
6 months ago

Thanks Maddie,

I will be following your series intently. I've just registered and I can feel the anxiety building. Your level headed and generous contribution to all us Hubbers is a great tonic.

laswi profile image

laswi  says:
6 months ago

Thanks for all information. Certainly I will be visiting your other hubs related to this.

tdarby profile image

tdarby  says:
6 months ago

Thanks for the great hub and info--I appreciate the tips very much.

cym profile image

cym  says:
5 months ago

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm looking forward to your next hubs on this topic.

cashmere profile image

cashmere  says:
5 months ago

This makes a lot of sence. I have been on hubpages for more than three months, but only began posting in May and I've had only 45 visitors from Google. Rest of the 600 visits were from the hubpages community.

notorious_HAI profile image

notorious_HAI  says:
5 months ago

Thanks Maddie, very insightful. Also thanks for answering my question.

FREEWORKING  says:
5 months ago

good view very vital thanks

RandiSusan profile image

RandiSusan  says:
5 months ago

Thanks for your help Maddie and being so generous with your knowledge and for being so very gracious. Be sure and let me know how I might returne the favor :-)

Andrew0208 profile image

Andrew0208  says:
5 months ago

Thanks Maddie for sharing these helpful information. I also enjoy your discipline culture here in the community.

gurmitsingh profile image

gurmitsingh  says:
4 months ago

First of all congratulations on having such a nice and open mentality of sharing you knowledge with fellow Hubbers.You are no doubt a good writer and look forward to reading more of your hubs.

 

Johnyboy profile image

Johnyboy  says:
4 months ago

Hi,

It seems many people are after making money directly on the hubs. But shouldn't we consider hubs and other places as an important backlink to our other websites and link them together?

I always use social networks to bookmark everything I consider important, doesn't mater if it's my own website or not. This way, I am not considered spammer in the social programs by having bookmarked only my pages.

oderog profile image

oderog  says:
4 months ago

This great and I have just added it in one of my hubs on Google Adsense Contextual, thanks for sharing

sean159 profile image

sean159  says:
4 months ago

Just sigend up and am very happy to say that this is the first hub I have read yet, and I am very pleased thank you , look forward to reading more or your work :)

Lilian Schaler profile image

Lilian Schaler  says:
4 months ago

Great informations, Maddie, thanks for this!

ghosht profile image

ghosht  says:
3 months ago

This is good information. I have just published two articles. Thank you for so much of information.

Newyork204 profile image

Newyork204  says:
3 months ago

Personally I have found social bookmarking to be a waste oil time if you want to actually make money from any website or Hub Page. The only good thing that can come from them is a possible one way link and that only happens if your content is especially good or highly engaging.

jun  says:
2 months ago

Thanks mate! a great resource.

DREAM ON profile image

DREAM ON  says:
2 months ago

I just started recently and I thought adsense was just another hidden scam to go to a pay sight.I'll be look'n for you and all the help you can offer.You are very thoughtful to really want to help others.thanks from the bottom of this page to the top of my heart.

one2get2no profile image

one2get2no  says:
2 months ago

Thanks for this hub very informative. I want to make some additional income from writing hubs and I will follow your advice. One thing puzzles me however. How on earth do I get Ebay adverts to work? Do you know?

DeBorrah K. Ogans profile image

DeBorrah K. Ogans  says:
2 months ago

Maddie Ruud

Thank your for the great tips. I am still finding my way around hubpages after 5 months! How do I get my scores up?

This information has been quite helpful.

Blessings

adelowo adeshina  says:
2 months ago

with hubpages hope to see myself sweaming in a ocean of money

Sandi 3m profile image

Sandi 3m  says:
6 weeks ago

I am a newby, thanks for the info. It is wonderful of you to want to help others to do what you do so well!

linda gray profile image

linda gray  says:
2 weeks ago

Thanks for your clarity on this topic. You make perfect sense. You are an inspiration.

tommen profile image

tommen  says:
5 days ago

Congratulation on your 200th hub! You have been busy! Thanks for the tips about how to create a money making hub.It is a given (for most people) to write a hub that makes sense and is useful and helpful.What many people find difficult is how to get the right keywords, the kind of keywords that produce $ from your hubs?

iplanes  says:
4 days ago

i just found hubs. Where have I been hiding. Having read the comments I must give it a go.

Arp0p profile image

Arp0p  says:
2 days ago

Thanks for your help.

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