Jitendra Vaswani on Building a Blog That Makes You Money

A digital marketing maestro, Jitendra Vaswani has carved a niche in the digital nomad lifestyle, seamlessly blending innovation with practical wisdom. His journey, marked by interviews with luminaries like Neil Patel and Rand Fishkin, and his internationally bestselling book, serve as beacons for aspiring bloggers. Today, we delve into the mind of this digital sage, uncovering the strategies, insights, and philosophies that have propelled him to the forefront of the digital marketing realm. Join us as we navigate the intricate tapestry of blogging success with this amazing entrepreneur!

Digital Marketing Trends

SBS – What are the top digital marketing trends you see dominating in the next few years?

Jitendra – I’m using the latest AI and ChatGPT trends to transform my content creation and SEO strategies. ChatGPT acts like an intelligent assistant, enabling me to create personalized and relevant content on a large scale. This approach is revolutionizing SEO by focusing on both search engine rankings and user engagement. I use ChatGPT for various purposes, such as content creation, SEO, and link building, which has proven to be incredibly effective. 

AI and tools like ChatGPT are essential to innovative and forward-thinking SEO strategies. If you’re not using AI in your business, you’re missing out on significant opportunities. I wholeheartedly endorse AI, and my business has been thriving because of it.

Starting a Blog

SBS – For someone just starting a blog, what are the key steps they should take to ensure its success?

Jitendra – As a blogging expert myself for ten years, I’m thrilled to guide someone embarking on their blogging journey. Currently, I am running 8–10 blogs, which are in different niches. 

First and foremost, it’s crucial to choose a niche that you’re passionate about. This passion will be your driving force, helping you create content that resonates with your audience. Once you’ve pinpointed your niche, thorough research is key. Understand your audience’s needs and preferences to tailor your content accordingly.

Next, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content so you can get rewarded. Your blog should offer value, whether it’s through informative articles, how-to guides, or thought-provoking insights. 

My team consistently updates content according to Google’s latest guidelines, and I always make sure to provide value in the content. 

Speaking of SEO, optimize your content for users, not only for SERPs. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and engaging titles to improve your blog’s visibility. Remember the power of social media to amplify your reach. 

Lastly, be patient and persistent. Success in blogging doesn’t happen overnight. It took me three years to achieve some success in blogging. It takes time to build a loyal readership. Keep refining your strategy, learning from analytics, and staying updated with SEO trends.

Monetization Strategies

SBS – What are the most effective monetization strategies for new bloggers?

Jitendra – Drawing from my blogging journey, I’ve discovered several monetization strategies that can effectively transform a blog into a profitable venture. You can check my blog and get some insights into how I am monetizing this blog. This blog is almost ten years old, and it has helped me live my dream life. 

Here’s my take on the best approaches:

• Affiliate marketing: This is a great starting point for new bloggers. By promoting products or services relevant to your niche, you can earn commissions on sales made through your affiliate links. It’s key to choose affiliates that align with your content and resonate with your audience. I started affiliate marketing by pushing products like VPN, Hosting, and education offers on my blog Bloggersideas.com
• Sponsored content: Once your blog gains traction, you can collaborate with brands for sponsored posts like I did with many companies, where I take their product and review them on my blog. These are paid opportunities where you create content around a brand’s product or service. Authenticity is crucial here; ensure the partnerships make sense for your blog’s theme and audience
• Advertising: Using ad networks like Google AdSense can provide a steady income stream. These networks place ads on your blog, and you earn money based on views or clicks. The key is to balance ad placement with user experience — too many ads can be off-putting. I do use Adsense on some of my blogs where there is info content
• Offering freelance services: Your blog can act as a portfolio showcasing your skills, whether it’s writing, graphic design, or consulting. You can leverage this to offer freelance services to your readers and beyond. I did offer freelance services in 2013, like content writing, SEO, and social media optimization, while I was doing a job in a company

SEO Best Practices

SBS – Can you share some current SEO best practices that bloggers should focus on?

Jitendra – Blog SEO in 2024 is becoming more and more dependent on artificial intelligence developments, particularly ChatGPT and similar technologies.

Google’s recent updates in 2023 Q4 have changed the blogging industry forever. Now, Google needs helpful content for its users. Make you read recent updates from Google on their official webmaster blog. 

Pay close attention to these strategies.

Conduct in-depth keyword analyses with the help of AI technologies. Not only can they tell what’s popular, but they may also recommend long-tail keywords that are soon apparent to yield excellent results. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to make your keyword research smooth.  

I use other tools like Surfer SEO, Writener Zen, and ChatGPT every day in my SEO business, and they have been very helpful to my business. I need these tools to think about SEO.  

Always keep checking your content according to Google’s top-ranking pages. Make sure you provide data and value in your content; otherwise, you are not going to rank in Google at all. I followed this strategy, and it always worked well for my business. 

Content Creation

SBS – How important is content quality over quantity, and how can bloggers maintain a balance?

Jitendra – In the blogging or SEO world, the debate between content quality and quantity is ongoing, but from my experience, quality undoubtedly trumps quantity.

I would say high-quality content is essential for engaging and retaining readers, improving SEO rankings, and establishing credibility and authority in your niche. Quality content is informative, well-researched, engaging, and provides value to your readers. It’s what sets you apart in a sea of information and what keeps readers coming back.

However, this doesn’t mean quantity should be overlooked. Regular posting is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and for SEO purposes. The key is finding a balance. 

Social Media Marketing

SBS – What role does social media play in blog growth, and which platforms are most beneficial?

Jitendra – LinkedIn and Twitter are the best platforms out there for blog growth. I could be more active on these platforms, but SEO experts like Charles Floate and Julian Golide are crushing on these platforms. You should give them love on these platforms. 

I also use YouTube to drive traffic to my blog by doing reviews and interviews with experts, as I have shared in this interview. I did interviews with Neil Patel, Matt Diggiyt, Julian Goldie, Charles Floate, and many more. 

These interviews help me drive traffic to my blog and help me build a personal brand. 

Overcoming Challenges

SBS – What are common challenges new bloggers face, and how can they overcome them?

Jitendra – In my decade-long blogging journey, I’ve seen new bloggers, including myself, face a few common challenges. Building an audience is often the first hurdle. It’s not just about creating content but about crafting stories that resonate with your readers. Engaging with them through comments and social media and employing SEO best practices can significantly boost your visibility.

Another challenge is maintaining a consistent content creation schedule. Early on, I learned the value of a content calendar and realistic goal-setting. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you, ensuring quality without overwhelming yourself.

Identifying a unique niche can also be daunting in a crowded digital space. My approach was to blend my passions with unmet market needs, creating a unique space for my blog.

Lastly, the technical side of blogging, like website design and SEO, can seem intimidating. I tackled this through continuous learning and sometimes seeking expert help, as I have a team of developers & SEO specialists who help me in this process. 

Audience Engagement

SBS – How can bloggers effectively engage their audience and build a loyal community?

Jitendra – Engaging an audience and building a loyal community as a blogger involves a blend of authenticity, consistency, and interaction. 

Over the years, I’ve found that the key is to create content that resonates deeply with your readers. This means understanding their interests, challenges, and questions and addressing these in your blog posts. It’s about more than what you want to write but what your audience needs and wants to read.

Consistency in posting is crucial. Regular updates keep your audience engaged and give them a reason to return. However, it’s about more than just the frequency of posts. It’s also about consistency in quality and voice. Your readers should know what to expect from your blog.

Interaction is another vital element. Responding to comments on your blog, engaging with readers on social media, and even sending out newsletters can create a sense of community. 

Also, doing expert interviews can help you build a community, as I had interviews with Neil Patel, Matt Diggtyt, Julian Goldie, Charles Floate, and many more. 

These interviews help me drive traffic to my blog and help me build a personal brand. 

Affiliate Marketing

SBS – What are your top tips for succeeding in affiliate marketing through a blog?

Jitendra – In my decade of experience with affiliate marketing through blogging, I’ve learned that success hinges on a few key practices. Choosing affiliates that align with my blog’s niche and resonate with my audience has always been crucial. It’s about promoting products that I genuinely believe in, which not only maintains my credibility but also builds trust with my readers. 

Creating quality content around these products, be it through reviews or tutorials, has been a cornerstone of my strategy. I’ve always prioritized transparency with my audience about my affiliate relationships, as honesty fosters trust and loyalty.

Lastly, pro tip: As an affiliate marketer, you should attend conferences like Affiliate World Asia Bangkok, Chiang Mai SEO conference, and Affiliate Summit USA to learn from the experts in your industry. I recommend joining these events as I have gained so much knowledge and experience. 

Inspirations and Influences

SBS – Who are your inspirations in the digital marketing and blogging world?

Jitendra – 

• Gary Vee
• Neil Patel 
• Julian Goldie
• Charles Floate SEO
• Matt Diggity 

In the realm of digital marketing and blogging, I’ve found inspiration from several key figures who have significantly influenced my approach and philosophy. 

Gary Vaynerchuk, with his relentless energy and innovative strategies in social media marketing, has always been my source of motivation. His ability to foresee trends and his authentic approach to brand storytelling are lessons in how to capture and engage an audience effectively. I learned a lot from him.

Neil Patel has been another major influence, especially with his expertise in SEO and content marketing. His comprehensive guides and tools have been invaluable in demystifying complex SEO concepts, making them accessible for marketers at all levels. I met Neil Patel at the Bangkok 2017 AW event, and it was a life-changing moment for me. 

Julian Goldie’s approach to link building and SEO has provided me with practical, actionable strategies that have significantly improved my online presence. His focus on quality over quantity in link building resonates deeply with my practices. Julian has been my friend in Bangkok, and we hang out almost every month, talking about SEO and personal growth. 

Charles Floate’s insights into SEO are both innovative and unconventional. His ability to break down technical aspects into understandable content has been enlightening, offering new perspectives on optimizing websites. I met Charles in Bali, Indonesia, at an SEO event, and I interviewed him at the conference. 

Lastly, Matt Diggity’s expertise in affiliate marketing and SEO has been instrumental in shaping my approach to monetizing my blog. His data-driven strategies and thorough research have provided a roadmap for achieving success in the competitive landscape of affiliate marketing. I met Matt Diggity at the Chiang Mai SEO conference, and from there, my friendship with Matt is very much amazing. 

Each of these individuals has contributed to my growth as a digital marketer and blogger, offering unique insights and strategies that have helped me navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

I have interviewed all these experts on my blog. Check it out here.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

SBS – What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to leverage blogging for their business?

Jitendra – Drawing from my journey, my advice to entrepreneurs venturing into blogging is straightforward: Treat your blog as a direct conversation with your audience. It’s an invaluable tool for building trust and establishing your brand’s voice. Focus on creating content that provides real value, addressing the needs and questions of your target audience. 

Don’t just sell your product or service! Use your blog to share insights, stories, and experiences that reflect your brand’s identity.

Embrace blogging as a long-term strategy to connect with and grow your audience genuinely. I have been blogging for ten years, and connecting with your audience is very crucial for your blog’s success.  I did go to networking events and clicked pictures with experts. You can see my presence here on Instagram, where I meet so many digital influencers. 

Key Learnings

SBS – From your journey, what are the key learnings you would like to share with aspiring digital marketers and bloggers?

Jitendra – Reflecting on my journey in digital marketing and blogging, the most vital lesson I’ve learned is the importance of truly understanding your audience. It’s not just about what you want to convey but about addressing the needs, preferences, and challenges of your readers. This insight forms the backbone of content that resonates and engages. 

Always keep networking with top experts in your industry, and make sure you attend workshops to grow your knowledge. 

The power of continuity is another important thing to remember. Regular, high-quality content builds a loyal audience and helps SEO more than a few great posts here and there. 

The digital marketing landscape is always changing, so it’s important to be able to adjust. It’s important to know about new tools, keep up with trends, and be ready to change your plans.

Above all, authenticity and transparency have been my guiding principles. They not only build trust but also create a genuine connection with your audience. Remember, in the digital realm, your unique voice and honest approach are your greatest assets.