Earlier this year I decided to open a support page here on Buy Me a Coffee. I didn't really know what to expect, whether anyone would 'buy me a coffee' or ever visit this page. I only hoped that my blog and website would be interesting/useful to some people and this would be one way they can show their support for my work.
It's simple. No sign up or recurring membership fees. Buy me a coffee virtually whenever you'd like. Buy Me a Coffee takes 5% fee. It's not a salary for me but it's something - support really matters and encourages creators. I'd like to think Veganhaven is still at the early stages and without support of readers there's no big future. So I started the support community with hopes that it will be big someday.
And yes, people have bought me coffee! A couple of you I've never met have bought me coffee - I'm blown away by this. I really really do hope people who have been following this blog for a while don't hesitate to buy me a coffee - it really helps! By simply buying me a coffee - you say, all these hours I spend on creating travel & photo content hasn't been a complete waste.
That's why I also didn't start with a free website. I bought a blog theme for 30$. Hopefully I won't need to change it anytime soon, I'm quite okay with the layout - it's not too fancy but it's neat. Then there's the hosting and domain annual fee which is like 50$ + 15$ per year (promo fee).
At the moment, my website has few income or support options and until I have a ton of articles there, the views and followers are not going to increase. I chose the site to be ad-free so that the reading experience is smooth and pleasant. And until I have like 10,000 visitors to the blog per moth, it's no point. So no ad revenue. Other ways to earn money by blogging are referral programs, ambassadorships and affiliate marketing.
I really like the concept of affiliate programs and I've had a good experience with one. For a travel blog, you can be an affiliate for tours for example, I would really like to showcase and promote ethical tours on the blog. If people book their tour through the link on my website (at no extra cost), I earn a small commission.
At the very beginning, when I started Veganhaven, I travelled to the Canary Islands where we took a dolphin & whale watching tour with Canco Fuerteventura. It was a great experience and I wrote all about it on the Dolphin Watching blogpost. I later applied to Canco's affiliate program through their website and in my article you'll find the link through which you can book your tour: CANCO Fuerteventura – Excursions and Sights
In the first year - no income. But as travel slowly picks up, there have been a couple of sales. I am more than happy to know people actually came to my site and booked through the link I provided. I don't know who all have done it but I'm so grateful, thank you! I really hope you enjoy your tour 🙏
I've also tried to apply to Booking.com affiliate program but it's been impossible to register with them. At one point (over a year ago) they replied to me that the website doesn't have enough content. But now, it finally works and I can link all the accommodations I've stayed at so my readers can book through my links.
Back to why Buy Me a Coffee - it's just a simple act of support that matters! For a travel blogger, it would also help me plan future travels and content - because I know people would be interested in it. Maybe help me save up for better photography equipment or website upgrades and such. If you've enjoyed reading my content - on the blog or on Instagram - show your support! Also you'll be part of the Veganhaven support community - where I share exclusive 'behind the scenes of blogging' posts and blog updates :)
Cheers,
Nandita from Veganhaven