How to monetize a blog or YouTube channel to make money online

You have heard about the YouTube demonetization if you are on any kind of social media platform. The earning threshold has been jacked up to a whopping 4,000 hours of watchtime and 1,000 subscribers! In my opinion, that's a lot to ask. But, stay positive. There are lots of way to monetize that don't have anything to do with a YouTube channel.

The implosions of Associated Content, Yahoo! Contributor Network, Geocities and others taught me to diversify income streams a long time ago. You can do it too. I'll share some of my ideas of how to make money online. Please share yours in the comments below. The list is in alphabetical order.

Here are some of the ways that I make money online. How do you do it? Leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.


A
Adsense - I know what you're thinking, but relax. I helps on my blog, if not my channel.

Affiliate marketing - Amazon, CJ Junction and others

Amazon - Purchases that you make from my site help me out. My shop is www.amazon.com/shop/gaylecrabtree

B

Books - In addition to Does God Still Love Me, I've had three books out in the past and retired a couple of them. Another is due out late this spring.

C

Commission Junction - Affiliate marketing. They are a clearinghouse of sorts for lots of companies.

E

Etsy - Many of the sales in my Etsy shop come from you guys. 

Ebooks - I've self-published through Lulu in the past and plan to again. You can also publish Ebooks through Amazon Kindle. 

G

Groupon Partner - I love this site. Not only do I earn when people purchase, but the deals here help people save money.

L

Lulu - self publishing platform for books and ebooks. They are very straightforward on pricing and terms. I've used them a few times in the past and plan to again.

M 

Motivational Speaking - Did you know that I've given motivation talks in jails, shelters, at ladies conferences and even at the Lincoln Memorial? Get the scoop at Imagine Publicity.

P

PayPal paypal.me/GayleCrabtree

Patreon (Coming soon!)

S

Sponsorships - blog posts, product reviews on vlogs and sponsored tweets. Email me at gayle@gaylecrabtree.com for more information.

Speaking - Local speaking opportunities, podcasts, Skype calls and everything in between. 

T

Tweets - Sponsored tweets

Textbroker (Although not blog monetization, it is a company that I enjoy writing for occasionally. They have always paid on time, which is also nice.)

Y

YouTube - Eventually. For newbies who may be reading this, YouTube will not monetize videos until you have over 1000 subscribers and over 4,000 hours in watch time. youtube.com/gaylecrabtree

Z

Zazzle - I sell photos and other products through my Zazzle store and you can too Crabtree Photography

These are the ways that I make money on my blogs and vlogs. How do you do it? Leave me a comment below.

Top Fundraising Ideas for Churches, Youth Groups and Nonprofits

All charities exist on the generosity of others. An estimated $295 billion dollars was donated to charities in 2006. As a former nonprofit director, I have seen good organizations tremble at the thoughts of raising money. Yet, fundraising is how charities keep running and how small youth groups go on mission trips.

Mention fundraising to a group and you will inevitably hear horror stories of hours spent at a traffic light in the summer heat. Reactions may include nervousness about asking friends for money and the desire for a 'different' type of fundraiser.

A fun or exciting fundraiser is important. The more interesting it is, the more people who want to jump aboard. More people means the organization or group can raise more money.
But what about when your group is small or volunteer hours are limited?

These fundraising ideas are workable for groups of just about any size. The events can be done on a small scale or a large one. How big the event is will be determined by:

1. The amount you need to raise.
2. The size of your organization.
3. Number of volunteers
4. How much time each volunteer can give
5. Venue size and cost

Now that these considerations have been determined it's time to plan your event. The list below gives ideas that can be scaled to fit groups of any size. Which one will you choose?

• Dinners
  
• Car or tractor show
  
• Live auction with refreshments
  
• Antique appraisal fair
  
• Restaurant meal night at a fast food, pizza or local restaurant
  
• Crowdfunding
  
• All day music event with concession
  
• Yard, used book or bake sale
  
• cookbook
  
• Festival
  
• Product or candy sales
  
• Family pictures
  
• Breakfast with a local celebrity, Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny (in season).
  
• Teddy bear tea for all ages
  
• Fashion show and luncheon
  
• Car wash
  
• Motorcycle rally
  
• Bike ride or 5K Walk
  
• Opportunity quilt
  
• Golf or fishing tournament
  
• Art or photo exhibit and sale
  
• Craft fair
  
• Traffic light donation campaign
  

Points to ponder:
Don't decide to hold a tournament, 5K run or put a memories or cookbook together the month before funds are needed. Some events can take months to plan. Only your group can decide whether to hold a large event that takes months to implement or a fairly quick fundraiser. There isn't any right or wrong answer. It's all matter of the five steps mentioned above.

Groups should look into the size and affordability of a venue after determining the fundraising goal. If you only want to raise a few hundred dollars, then a free street corner may be ideal for a bake sale, yard sale or lemonade stand. Raising more money might mean expanding the yard sale and moving it into a nearby parking lot or gum.

Job descriptions need to be written for key volunteers. The descriptions define tasks and make it clearer for everyone to understand what the others are doing. Volunteers should pitch in if asked to help in other areas. The idea is to work as a team to raise the funds that are needed.

Accessibility is important. Does the thought of carrying yard sale boxes up or down steps give you pause? Are you concerned about rolling boxes of books up a steep ramp? If so, then your customers will be too.

Cost is always a concern. Churches, stores and businesses may be willing to work with you. Always have an agreement well in advance of your fundraiser. It may be helpful to spell out the terms in writing and have everyone sign it. This gives you something to refer to later.

A written agreement may or may not be needed by small groups in a small venue. However: it is critical for organizations that are utilizing a large or costly space. When in doubt, write it out.
Insurance is always a concern. If needed, special event insurance can be purchased from most insurance companies. A number of companies sell it online. Always do your due diligence before purchasing insurance.

Where to look for scholarships and financial aid

One of my daughters was offered over $100,000 in scholarship to fund her college education. This was a mixture of federal grant money, scholarships that were based on need and academics, a music scholarship from her high school and from the individual colleges themselves.

Ultimately, my daughter chose to attend a tuition free college. The scholarship award amounted to an estimated $85,000. The college provided her with a solid undergraduate education. Even though this particular college did not offer anything beyond a bachelor degree, the faculty encouraged her to attend graduate school.

She has now completed her second year of graduate level studies. It's a little harder to find scholarships for graduate level than for an undergraduate education. We're finding that some money is out there but it takes extra effort to find it. 

Financial aid departments will be the first to tell you not to pay for grant or scholarship search services. These are often a waste of money. The National Online Database of Scholarships and Education Grants may be a helpful place to begin the search. There is no cost to access the database and registration is not required.

It takes time for employers to get the annual tax documents to you so you can fill out the FASFA forms. Beginning your search for scholarship monies can begin before the FASFA is completed. Doing your homework enables you to file for funding as soon as possible.

In addition to searching the database check with your employer, religious denomination and the financial aid department of the school you want to attend. These sources can help you find available funding to secure your future. It may take several attempts to secure the funding that you need. Don't give up in the search. Always remember that your future is worth the effort.

Moving away

Moving Away

Author: Joseph Sandoval

Moving out here was great for my career but it really put distance between me and my family, literally. I really worry about my folks and how they’re doing now that they’re older and I know it won’t be long before they need more help at home to get through a day.

 I love that they’ve still got old Bessie (our golden retriever) and that they let me get them ADT San Francisco so they’d be safer at home but you know at the end of the day I sure wish they’d let me hire someone to come in and help. I guess it’s a pride thing and they say they’re not old enough but it sure would put my mind at ease and I know it would make their daily lives easier. 

They’re great people but keeping up that big house has got to be draining for them at their advanced age, you know? I admire their resistance nonetheless and will continue to respect their wishes until I really just can’t any longer, you know.

~~This post is by the guest blogger listed above~~

Blue Sky Scrubs makes a difference for cancer patients

Blue Sky Scrubs helps cancer patients feel better. Every time you buy medical scrubs online a hat can be donated to a cancer patient (or you can choose to keep it or donate it yourself.) This is a gift that can help brighten the day of someone who needs a smile the most.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month is an even better time to help cancer patients. Blue Sky Scrubs will donate $1.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every Pink Ribbon hat that is purchased.

There are four different designs to choose from. Each one has a special meaning. You can choose to order Survivor, Courage, Courage for a Cure or Ribbons of Hope. These are stylish and practical. When you wear one it makes a silent statement of encouragement to cancer patients. Plus, you have the reassurance of receiving some of the highest quality products in the medical profession.

Blue Sky Scrubs focuses on total quality. Sales and distribution processes are monitored in real time. Each and every item is tested and inspected multiple times. Only after the item passes these rigorous standards are the items prepared for shipment.

When you order $155 or more the shipping is free. Plus, returns and exchanges are free on all orders. There are no charges for restocking, shipping or other fees. Are you ready to experience the Blue Sky Difference? Visit them today at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/.

Donations of cash or stock are welcomed by charity

Well, I have a daughter in graduate school who is looking for a job. She's got experience working with victims of domestic violence, food pantries and homeless shelters and juvenile offenders. She also has some grant writing skills.

The problem is that the jobs in these fields are limited. With the economic slowdown shelters and pantries receive fewer funds than they need. People just can't give as much. Some folks may have some of the best medical penny stocks that there are and may be in a better boat than some others. Hopefully, they will make an extra effort to help friends who are struggling.

Many nonprofit organizations will accept monetary and stock donations. People are often surprised at how small the amounts can be. The $3 or $10 will help. When combined with another $3 or $10 they can make a bigger difference. The adage 'if everyone gave a buck' really is true!

Your help (and mine) is what nonprofits rely on. It surprises me when people think otherwise. I spoke with someone yesterday who never made the connection that it's individuals who help nonprofit agencies the most.

Sure, all nonprofits apply for grants when they're available. But, the problem is that all nonprofits apply for the same grants when they are available.

The economic downturn won't last forever. Hopefully when it improves all of our children will be able to have the jobs they need. In the meantime, if you have a spare dollar or change please consider donating it to a nonprofit. Charities need your help more than ever right now. Gifts don't have to be huge to make life better for another person. The funds just need to be there.

Learn about the different types of savings account options

Everyone is trying to save money these days. Free spending days are a thing of the past as people try to save every dollar possible. Frugality is today's new buzz word. Deciding where to put the few dollars you save is a challenge. Banks use different phrasing when referring to the various types of savings accounts.

Learning some financial jargon helps victims of domestic violence chose savings options that best meet their individual needs. 

In general, these are the different type of savings accounts that are available. Some of the savings accounts listed below are insured by the FDIC.

Basic Savings Account (Passbook Accounts)

How my Vistaprint business cards raise money for charity

It's time to order business cards from my favorite online store again. I have always managed to find the best prices at Vistaprint. They have a wide range of print options available. My favorite is a mountain scene with a flat finish. Gloss is also offered. You can have the back left blank or have a calendar or something else printed on the back.

Vistaprint Yard Sign for Hope for Healing.Org

Some of you may recall reading my previous article. If not, here's another vistaprint review that you may want to read.

There are two other great things about Visitaprint that people may not know. Among the other items that the carry are yard signs and banners. Whenever I set up a display or when I'm in the office at church I like to put the yard sign. This helps with our visibility and it lets others know that the church supports us.

The other point is (to me) the best thing going for Vistaprint. When you place an order through iGive a tiny portion of the proceeds automatically goes to the charity of your choice. In my case that means making a few extra pennies for Hope for Healing.Org.

Even the tiniest amount raised from orders that are placed online add up. The organization has raised over $300 so far and they are still going.

Nonprofits have to save money wherever they can. Ordering business cards, yard signs and even banners online help. If your order can raise money for your favorite charity there is no reason not to try it.  

Personalized promo pens can help raise awareness

The Rape Abuse Incest National Network gives us a sobering statistic. It is a sad fact that every 2 minutes in the U.S. someone is sexually assaulted. We’re convinced that those numbers will drop if we all work together.

I was given the nicest little promotional pens the other day and it got me to thinking about getting some for work.  These were easy to write with and had a crisp clear logo. Best of all, I could tell what company the pens were donated from at a glance. That is exactly what you want in a promotional item. However, it isn’t always what you get.

At Hope for Healing.Org we have talked about buying a supply of engraved pens sat work for awhile now. The personalized pens can be an affordable way to get the word out about the nonprofit and raise awareness at the same time. Custom pen sets can also be used as gifts for volunteers or used as a donation incentive.

These days, almost any item can be personalized to fit your needs. We have also considered tote bags, stick-up and magnet calendars and plastic water bottles. Everyone is interested in going green these days. Eco friendly tote bags have also hit our radar screen.

If we purchase customized pens (or totes or another product) our mission to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence will always be the same. We will continue to spread the word that no one deserves to be sexually assaulted or abused in any way.

To educate the public about sexual violence, Hope for Healing.Org is welcoming ideas and any other advice for marketing that you may have. To make suggestions feel free to email me or leave a comment below.

Buy from Blue Sky Scrubs and donate a hat to a cancer patient

When health care professionals are looking for nursing uniforms their first choice is often Blue Sky Scrubs. The uniforms have extra details that help them to stand out. Not only do they have decorative stitching on the back pockets but they also have identical stitching on the scrub top.

Blue Sky Scrubs Hat

Blue Sky Scrubs isn’t your typical hospital scrub uniform. To help make the tops more flattering they have a tapered waist. The fashionable scrub pants are equally fashionable and are in between a tapered leg and a flare leg. These provide health care professionals with both style and comfort. They are a great way to liven up your professional scrub wardrobe.

Blue Sky Scrubs also make mens medical scrubs. The scrub tops are long enough that they can be tucked in but short enough that they can be worn loose. Their men’s scrub pants are made with wrinkle resistant fabric. They have a single back pocket and a tie in front.

Customers will appreciate the free UPS ground shipping that is available with a minimum pre-tax order of $155. A variety of other shipping options are offered for those who need to receive their orders by second day or overnight delivery.

These are all great reasons to buy your medical clothing from Blue Sky Scrubs but there is another reason to buy from them. Purchasing from this company not only makes you feel good but it can help others too.

For every purchase that you make, a scrub hat can be donated to a person with cancer. A quality product and a chance to make someone smile are two good reasons to consider Blue Sky Scrubs. 

Buy a Christmas tree to help domestic violence and rape victims

Buy a Christmas tree to help domestic violence and rape victims. It really is as easy as that. The charity that I founded, Hope for Healing.org, is partnering with Raise the Tree to raise funds this holiday season. It's an easy fun way to help others. Your purchase helps us provide services to domestic violence and rape victims.

Raise the Tree Logo

Christmas trees come from the Shore Family Farm in Western North Carolina. The trees are unique to the Appalachian Mountains and are perfect for the holidays. 

Your tree could be the ideal gift for senior citizens or young families. Can you picture Grandma's face when the tree is delivered and set up in her home? How about picturing excited kids who can't wait to get started decorating?

The fun starts with one click to Raise the Tree.  

Blue Sky Scrubs makes buying scrub hats and lab coats easy

Almost every medical professional is required to wear medical scrubs at some point. Veterinarians are not immune. Since scrubs fit loosely, wearing them is more comfortable for health care staff that has to move or lift patients.

We’re all familiar with the blue-grey scrubs that are often worn. These are utilitarian and durable. Sometimes, it’s nice to wear a different color. From soft colors to bold geometric or cute characters, nursing uniform scrubs come in a huge range of colors and prints.

Blue Sky Scrubs makes buying scrubs online quick, easy and stress free. In just a few clicks you can visit their website and select your scrub set and hats. A few more clicks and your scrubs will be on their way to your home. No standing in lines or driving to a crowded shopping mall.

Returning or exchanging a lab coat or scrub hat is just as easy as purchasing. Print your prepaid return label and tape it to your package. Drop off at your local UPS store and that’s it. Your refund should be credited by your next statement. Exchanges follow a similar process.

Blue Sky Scrubs manufacturers a full line of medical clothing. They carry scrubs, scrub hats and lab coats. Soft shell jackets, lanyards and men’s medical clothing is also available.

~~~ I'd like to thank Blue Sky Scrubs for sponsoring this blog. ~~

How Grandma's casserole recipe is making money online

This is the second article in a 2 part series. The first part is online here.

Grandma’s casserole recipe is making money online in another way. The link that points from the You've Been Reviewed article goes to the Factoidz site. Every time someone clicks on the recipe it earns about 1/4th of a penny. This tiny amount is why you want to generate multiple revenue streams with what is basically the same article.

The third way Grandma's casserole recipe is making money online is by posting it on another site. My most highly viewed articles are the ones posted on Associated Content. They do not pay upfront  for casserole recipes but they do pay a portion of a penny each time it's viewed. It also keeps the content fresh and in front of readers which gives all of my articles over there a chance to perform better.

Can you guess what the fourth revenue stream is? It's the posts about it on this blog. I've linked to the Associated Content article above when showing you how Grandma's recipe is making money online .

As we've discussed, clicks to the article from any source helps it make money online. Writing a blog post here also helps bring readers into this blog which makes it more attractive to potential advertisers. This essentially created a fourth revenue stream.

That's how Grandma's casserole recipe is making money online. It's not a huge amount but it helps pay the bills.

How I make online writing pay off

Most everyone knows that Hope for Healing.Org is very part-time for me and I do not get paid. A number of health challenges that prevent me from working full time. (The ministry center almost did me in.)

To pay my bills I'm increasingly turning to writing online and it's helping. Now, everyone seems to be asking how I make online writing pay off. The truth is that an expensive sports car will never be in my future. Getting rich isn't in the picture but paying off some bills has been achievable.

The first site to catch my attention is Associated Content. Writing there has allowed me to pay off a credit card and some other bills. Since then I've begun writing for Factoidz, Examiner, this blog and my other one.

Associated Content will often make an upfront payment. They are the only company I write for that does this. Lower your expectations. It's only $3-$4 per article. All of the sites above pay a portion of a penny each time an article is viewed which helps.

The exceptions are my blogs. How I make online writing pay off here by selling some advertising on the sites. When people buy from a listed product link that's another few cents in my pocket. (Thank  you!) Again, lower your expectations. Right now I make about $50 per month on the other site and about $10-$15 on this one.

Utilizing multiple writing sites helps me make online writing pay off. This means posting the same article on other sites as often as possible. If I don't want to post the exact article I'll often do a primary article, then a quick rewrite and post both.

Multiple revenue streams maximize the amount each article will earn. Here's how I create those streams.

Water damage contractor in Austin provides clean up help

Water damage contractors in Austin aren’t hard to find. There are plenty in the phone book and online that say they can clean your home after it’s been water damaged from storms or flooding. It’s just that they won’t all meet your needs. It takes a company with experience and a proven track record to make your home livable again.

My family found this out several years ago. We lived in a home with a mold problem. After doing some investigating we found that the basement had a wet weather spring. What we all thought was the right clean up didn’t work. It turns out that once the moisture came into the main part of the home professional cleaning was needed. If only we’d known!

If you have water damage carpets in Austin there is a company that you can call. The Steam Team offers 24 hour water extraction services. You can call them any time day or night.

Water damage repair companies in Austin should be able to provide you with a written estimate. The staff should be knowledgeable and professional. Home owners should expect to have calls returned promptly. Above all, the company should be able to live up to its promises.

Ask if the company can provide references of satisfied customers. Check with your family and friends for suggestions or call the Better Business Bureau. This way, you’ll be sure you have the right company to meet your needs.

National Institute of Small Business Grants Helps You Find Success

When it comes to grants, the reality is that more organizations are trying to dip into shrinking pools of money to try to keep the doors open a little bit longer. If you are like me you know how frustrating walking the financial tightrope can be.

It has never been harder (or more important) to find grants to keep your nonprofit or business afloat. Most nonprofit agencies have a business side that tries to keep enough money flowing so people can be served. 

Their website tells you what business grants are and why they exist, how to find them and apply. You can also read what the advantages are to getting a grant. The news updates and tips were relevant and informative. Although there were some problems with the You Tube download link, I did feel that the videos were helpful.

The best thing about the National Institute of Small Business grants is that the information is real, not hype. I looked at several of the grant opportunities that were listed and will be applying for at least one of them and maybe two.

Since the National Institute of Small Business Grants is the only nonprofit agency that educates small business owners and entrepreneurs for free, I’ll be mentioning the agency to my friends. In fact, I think I just did.