Monetizing a Sports Blog
Hi All,
This is my first post here on 48days.net. This is a great community and I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the great information that's available.
I have started a blog about the Green Bay Packers: www.packerguy.com. I would love someday to be a full time blogger. My problem is that I haven't found much material on sports blogs.
What I mean is I've read "Platform" by Michael Hyatt and I've been following other blogs like the Art of Nonconformity. It seems like the model for monetizing these blogs is to build a following and then sell your own products like eBooks, live events, coaching, etc. These people have downplayed the role of advertising (one, it's like selling your soul, and you don't necessarily believe in the products, two, it doesn't produce much money anyway).
The problem is my blog is not all about me, and I don't have any rights to my subject. I can't make an eBook about the Packers (or t-shirts or hats or whatever) without infringing on NFL copyrights. I'm not even sure if having the Packers G in my logo and calling myself the "Packer" guy is legal. I've written to the Packers but haven't gotten a response. I'm sure I couldn't make a podcast with video highlights from games either.
So, even if I am able to build a big following, I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to turn this into a full time gig where I am able to quit my job and go interview the Packers after their practices and things like that. The one thing I had thought of is that if I am able to establish myself, maybe I could leverage that into a job with the local newspaper or ESPN.
What do you guys think? Thanks for any input you may have.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rich Avery on -
Jake,
As a Lions fan, I'd hate to give a Packers fan any advice. ;) Actually, I've got lots of cheese head friends (and a neighbor). So here are a few ideas:
Last August, I attended NAMS and hung out with a guy named Mike Norris, who has a blog on SEC sports. I also met some guys at the Financial Bloggers Conference last year in Chicago who have a site called MilwaukeeConsumer (met them at a meet up hosted by Cliff Ravenscraft and Pat Flynn at an awesome Chicago pizza place).
When you visit their sites, you'll see several cool ways they are monetizing their sites. And maybe they'll also share some tips on what is working for them, or things they hope to do in the future.
One quick thought that comes to mind: Maybe you could create a page for people who are attending, or want to attend a game, and write reviews about local restaurants, hotels, parking lots, etc. and see about getting special deals or offers from those businesses...or maybe a sponsorship from them for your site.
Hope this helps!
Rich
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Permalink Reply by GARY LEAGUE on -
You might find the book "Crush It" by Gary Vaynerchuk useful if what you want to do is blog. You might also like to see hsi show at www.winetvlibrary.com Copyright is an issue that could limit your ability to be effective. You need to have enough material to constantly update your blog.
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Permalink Reply by LEONARD WILSON, JR. on -
As a Wisconsin native (currently living in Tennessee), I am honored to met a true Packers fan. You can make money through your blogging about the Packers. You could host local events teaching others how to blog and build their online presence. You could become a consultant to local small businesses to teach them how to build blogs and build their online presence. You could research license information about the Green Bay Packers to create products like bobbleheads and creative fan-wear. Obviously, you can use your fan base to earn money from Google Adsense or another online advertising service. Speaking of advertisement, you can pitch your website to local sports stores to encourage private advertising space on a subscription basis. Although the company does not pay much, you could write for Examiner.com or a similar website as a Green Bay Packers writer. I currently write for Examiner.com covering the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA. Lastly, you should pitch to several magazines offering story ideas covering the Green Bay Packers. A small article could pay $1500 or more depending on length of article and agreement rights. I hope that helps.
-Leonard Wilson, Jr.
Author of My Flexibility Manifesto: Follow Your Passion 2 Success
https://www.createspace.com/3942348
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Permalink Reply by Ann Musico on -
My son, Matthew, started writing his own blog posts on his own blog. His sport of preference is baseball. He kept at it and submitted articles to different sports blogs and was invited to write for Rising Apple - then asked if he would like to become editor, which he is now. I'm awfully proud of what he's accomplished part-time while working a demanding full time job. you can see the website at http://risingapple.com and follow him on Twitter at @risingappleblog If you message him I bet he would be happy to give you some tips.
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Permalink Reply by Brent Jamison on -
Jake -
What a timely post! You have just written out my current situation completely, covering everything from monetizing to licensing.
Ironically, my site covers the Chicago Bears. :)
Recently, I have talked to other 48 days members about my concern with having Chicago Bears in my domain name, which I am still planning on changing because of possible legal ramifications. Packerguy I think would be OK because you don't use the full team name.
I too have wondered about monetizing and have the same concerns as you so I will be subscribing to this post to see the rest of the feedback.
If you have searched the web for other team blogs you may have noticed a lot of them are part of a network (SBNation, Fansided, Yardbacker). I have no idea how we could do it but I wouldn't be opposed to linking our blogs together somehow. I would like to chat some time one-on-one if you are up for it.
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Permalink Reply by Rob Orr on -
Hi Jake - we're starting the "niche site challenge" over in the My Website Workshop group which you might be interested in. Some of the things you mention here will be specific targets for what we're trying to achieve. Would love to see you and Brent (and anyone else who's interested) join the challenge!
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Permalink Reply by Jake Bauer on -
Thanks for all the great advice, everyone. For now, I'll focus on building a following and providing great content. I think if I can build up a big following, I can leverage that in many different ways.
Thanks again,
Jake
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Permalink Reply by Marlee Ward on -
Hey Jake,
This is a great question. And I think your answer will rest on both affiliate sales and community. I think it's important that you get a clear idea on how you will make money because you want to make it clear to your audience that you do so. I highly recommend you take a look at Cliff Ravenscraft's stuff. He has build some incredible paying communities around things like Lost, Hunger Games and a lot more. I believe he has product that show you how he's done it and I think that would a great model for what you're trying to achieve here.
Good luck!
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