Monetising Your Blog

I received this question via a Twitter Direct message today:

Nice blog. Why aren't you using Google Adsense?

The answer is very easy. I don't want anyone to leave my blog through a link that I don't control.

When someone clicks an adsense ad they leave tour site in the same window. So, the only way they can return is by clicking their browser back button.

When someone clicks a link that I've embedded in a post, it usually open in a new window.. leaving my blog open in their browser and, therefore, making it much easier for them to return and to click another link!

Adsense clicks usually generate cents. Affiliate links, or links to your own products usually generate dollars.

Adsense clicks are dificult to track. The links that you control are easy to track and the data that you collect will help you to determine what types of products and services are most popular with your readers.