[blah23]

I recently started a blog, and I was wondering what the most effective ways of monetizing it are. Currently I have adsense, but are there more effective ways?

Also what are some good ways to build traffic to blogs, my current game plan is to start submitting it to directories to build back links and to post on other blogs.

If your curious the link is in my signature

[edwardhalim]

You can sell advertising blocks. Sell out blocks to other people for a monthly fee depending on the position or the size of the block.

-Ed

[blah23]

Yea I plan to do that in the future, but since I just started out my traffic stats are low. From what I've seen advertisers generally want a larger audience

[TheCDAllenGroup]

Originally Posted by blah23

Yea I plan to do that in the future, but since I just started out my traffic stats are low. From what I've seen advertisers generally want a larger audience

That's true. We're talking about 125x125 pixel ad spots, which can be filled by advertisers, but you'll want to build up substantial traffic levels and present a 'credible' blog before even attempting to do so.

Right now, you can do the following:
Text Link Ads
Kontera [may sure to enter "John Chow Kontera partnership" on the application's 'Comments' field]

However, I suggest you continue adding content to your blog, marketing, promoting, and thusly increasing targeted traffic before resorting to monetize your blog. Traffic is the basis for monetization, and if you don't have that yet, I suggest on building this foundation.

John Chow dot Com December Income Report
Creating and Monetizing an Online Forum/Message Board
What besides adsence?
how much money can you make blogging?

[blah23]

Kontera is in text ads, correct? Do in text ads an deter people from reading blog articles? I dont see them on blogs very often.

As for text link ads, is it ppc similar to adsense?

[wannabeMogul]

I tend to find myself steering clear of sites/blogs that use text ads like Kontera for the most part. You might not want to throw it on right away until you at least build up a small base of readers who you can try it out on. If you readership falls after adding, you can always remove it.

I prefer not to have it to prevent my blog from appearing spammy to first-time readers.

As for text link ads, it is another good ad program like AdSense. Last I heard, there were some problems with it screwing with blogs Google Page Rank. You might research a bit before adding it. I personally have not used it yet but am looking into using it in the future.

[buynick]

I would recommend just putting Google Adwords on it. It's the easiest way.