It’s a new year, and many of us have spent time reflecting, making plans for the future, and setting some new goals. It’s the perfect time to take stock of our priorities and evaluate how we spend our time. Ask yourself: What brings you the most fulfillment? What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? What activities yield the most financial rewards?

If you’re reading this article, likely, one of the things that motivates you and brings fulfillment and hopefully some financial reward is blogging or online content creation. Our industry is rapidly changing, driven by advancements in technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is  Reshaping Online Traffic for Publishers and making it challenging to stay ahead of trends and prepare for the future. Perhaps you’ve spent the last 5, 10, or even 15 years building a website that has served as a reliable financial resource — whether it’s been your primary income source or a supplemental one – making your passion for content creation worth the effort.

However, suppose you’re like most publishers in 2024. In that case, you’ve likely experienced a decline in pageviews, explained mostly by a combination of AI’s growing presence on the web and Google’s frequent algorithm changes. Now, you might find yourself questioning whether it’s even worth continuing to monetize your website. Google’s shifting algorithms make staying ahead in SEO feel like a never-ending battle. Many publishers share similar frustrations—declining traffic and the overwhelming pace of AI’s evolution often leave them on the verge of giving up.

So, is it still possible to thrive in the blogging world? Should you still try to monetize your website?

At Monumetric, we believe the answer is YES! Despite technological advancements, one of humanity’s most fundamental needs remains unchanged: connection. People crave authentic relationships and learning from real individuals, not robots. Now more than ever, human voices play a critical role in sharing knowledge and experiences. Unlike AI, humans bring unique life stories and perspectives shaped by real-world experiences.

You can still succeed as a publisher by leveraging your unique voice and expertise. At this point, you’ve likely got a following of real people that are not only attracted to your content but they’re invested in you, as a person! Developing a website and creating consistent content takes time, effort, and energy. And though making money may not have been your sole motivation for creating a website, earning compensation for that time, effort, and energy is essential for sustaining your passion.

The power of human nature lies in our ability to adapt and evolve. At Monumetric, we’re confident that you can continue to earn revenue through online advertising, but staying successful requires embracing change. Here are some key considerations for navigating the ever-evolving online landscape and ensuring continued success:

Prioritize High-Quality, Unique Content

• Depth and Expertise: Write content that showcases your unique expertise, personal experiences, or insights that AI can’t replicate effectively.
• E-E-A-T Standards: Google values Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness in content. Showcasing real credentials and firsthand experience can help your blog rank better.

Diversify Monetization Streams

• Relying solely on ad revenue is risky. Explore options such as:
  • Affiliate Marketing: Promote relevant products and earn commissions.
  • Sponsored Content: Partner with brands to create sponsored posts.
  • Digital Products: Sell eBooks, courses, or templates.
  • Memberships: Offer premium, exclusive content to subscribers.
  • Freelance Opportunities: Use your blog to showcase your skills and attract clients.

Leverage AI as a Tool, Not a Competitor

• Use AI tools to optimize your content strategy:
  • Keyword Research: Identify trending topics and long-tail keywords.
  • Content Creation Assistance: Generate ideas, outlines, or even drafts to save time.
  • SEO Optimization: AI tools like SurferSEO or Clearscope can enhance your posts for search engine performance.

Offer Value Beyond Generic Information

• Provide actionable advice, in-depth tutorials, or niche insights.
• Engage your audience with storytelling, personal anecdotes, or humor to make your content memorable.

Optimize for AI Search

• As AI-powered search engines (e.g., ChatGPT plugins, Bing AI) become popular, ensure your content is concise, well-structured, and answers specific questions directly.

Maintain Consistency and Patience

• Success in blogging takes time, especially in a competitive landscape. Consistent posting and engagement build trust and authority over time.
• Remember you are a human which means you have greater needs than just $
• Revisit and rejuvenate from your passions, write about what you love, and remind yourself of the fulfillment that comes from living on a planet with real people and making real people connections.

By staying true to your voice and embracing change, you can continue to thrive as a publisher, and at Monumetric we will continue to iterate ahead of the market with more advanced technology that makes it easier to target and adjust in more granular ways than ever. You keep doing your thing and we’ll keep doing ours!

Cheers to a new year AND real humans partnering with real humans to keep the pulse beat of humanity alive by sharing real-life knowledge and experience with each other!

If you aren’t with Monumetric yet and you are ready to get started, apply here.