As many of you may have noticed (who am I kidding, you’ve ALL noticed), my blog has significantly more advertisements over this past year than it did for the first 8+ years.
This is due to switching ad networks back in June of 2018. I’m now working with Mediavine.
To be perfectly honest, I REALLY love working with them. They have excellent customer service, they are super helpful, and they definitely know their stuff when it comes to monetizing a blog via advertisements!
Also… my ad revenue has tripled over the past year — which is amazing (for me!)
However, I 100% realize the extra ads do not create the most enjoyable reader experience for you.
Yes, I get it!
I don’t love the ads either… but for now, they seems to be the “best” way for me to continue offering everything on my blog COMPLETELY FREE to anyone and everyone who wants to read it!
I don’t sell anything.
I don’t push subscriptions or sign-ups.
I don’t publish high-pressure sales pitches.
I almost never offer giveaways anymore.
I almost never write sponsored posts.
I never use affiliate links for anything other than products I personally use and love.
I don’t promote or endorse anything unless it’s something I actually own and use.
I have quit the majority of my Virtual Assistant jobs.
The fact that I do NOT do the things I listed above means that I have MUCH MORE FREEDOM to write about whatever I want, whenever I want to write about it. I am not being told what to say by a company or a brand, I’m not trying to sway my readers opinions to make a sale or increase my revenue, I’m not trying to portray a half-true version of my life just so it looks good on the sponsoring company’s Instagram profile.
I just get to write about my favorite simple living tips, share simple recipes, show pictures of our house and yard, and give you a little peek into the window of my life at home with my family.
Honestly, it’s the BEST job I could ever imagine for myself at this point in my life!
That said, it IS still a “job”… and while I wish I could simply publish new content every day without earning an income, the reality of life is such that I would never be able to justify spending so much time online without knowing my time resulted in a decent income for our family.
Maybe in another life when I didn’t have 4 children to care for… but right now, my time is too valuable to work outside of my job as a mom without earning an income!
I’m hoping you can all appreciate, or at least accept, this!
So the ads must stay!
However, please know that I keep my ad settings at the lowest possible frequency, and there are not suppose to be any pop-up ads or auto-video ads (although I know they sneak through from time to time.)
It’s not a perfect system, it’s not ideal, but it is what it is for now.
If I eventually start selling content (books, ebooks, online courses, etc.) or develop another source of income, my in-content ads will be the first thing to go! Of course, if anyone feels the desire to directly sponsor me with a full-time salary while letting me write whatever I want to write, I will gladly remove all in-content ads from my blog immediately– LOL!!
Wouldn’t that be amazing! 🙂
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An FYI Regarding the Types of Ads on My Blog:
I get emails from time to time saying that there is “questionable content” in my ads — and while I do appreciate knowing this, I also want to mention that MOST of the content you see in the ads on my blog is directly related to YOUR OWN computer usage, browser history, cookies, cache, etc.
I’m not sure how it all works, but the “powers of the internet” somehow track your online usage and then use that information to target the ads you see to specifically appeal to you (and the others who use your computer).
I have personally banned ALL ads for anything I feel is questionable or inappropriate (dating services, alcohol, tobacco, guns, politics, lottery, medical, sexual, other adult content, etc. etc.) So from my stand point, there shouldn’t be any of those types of ads showing up on my blog.
HOWEVER, if you (or someone in your household) regularly visits websites that sell guns, or if you use an online dating service, those types of ads MIGHT show up within the content of my blog ON YOUR COMPUTER.
This is not because I’m choosing to show you those ads!
Please know this is not a perfect system. There are certainly exceptions to the rule and times when my efforts to block these ads from my site fail. However, I DO try!
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One way to read my blog ad-free…
There is one very simple way you can currently read my blog ad-free… all you have to do is request to get my blog posts via email instead of heading to my blog directly to read.
If this is how you choose to read my blog, you will receive one email every day I publish new content (usually Monday-Friday). The emails usually come in the afternoon and they contain the exact same content, text, and photos from my published blog posts — simply without the ads!
Of course, I’d rather have you read directly from my blog because that’s how I earn an income from the ads, but if the ads bother you too much, the email option might be just what you’re looking for!
And yes, the emails are all free as well! 🙂
NOTE: The subscription box is towards the top of my right sidebar (see image below).
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As I mentioned above, I DO realize that advertisements within the content of my blog are not ideal… but working without an income is also not ideal, nor is bringing my children to daycare so I can earn an income outside of the home.
I’ve thought about the ads a lot over the past year, I’ve weighed the pros and cons, I’ve talked with many new and long-time readers, and I honestly HAVE considered removing the ads several times.
However, my thought process always circles back to the following…
I want to write and publish content online Monday through Friday.
I want to interact with readers via comments, emails, and social media each day.
I want to earn an income that makes my time and effort worth while.
I want to enjoy working a very flexible job from home while playing with my children, tackling house projects with Dave, cooking big meals for whoever decides to join us for dinner that night, baking bread from scratch, working in the yard, and plowing through my daily to-do list.
If a handful of advertisements allow me to do everything I listed above, then the ads stay!
I love what I do, I appreciate all my readers, I value the opportunity to provide as much FREE advice, ideas, tips, and tools as I can, and I cherish the ability to work from home at this point in my life.
I hope this all makes sense!
That said, if you choose to stop reading because of the ads, I do completely understand (I still encourage you to try reading via email).
I’d like to hear from YOU!
What are YOUR suggestions, tips, and/or ideas for my blog (something to do with ads or something completely different)? Please share them in the comments or shoot me an email. I WILL listen and respond!
And if you’d like to sponsor my blog (LOL) just email me, and I’ll pull my ads down tomorrow!
ShellyL says
I will tell you my opinion as someone who started reading right before you changed the name of the blog. I don’t love the ads but I much prefer that to less frequent content, sponsored posts, etc. You just do what you need to do for your family and we will be fine. I plan to keep reading.
Andrea says
Thanks Shelly!
Honestly, I don’t love the ads either! But, like you, I’d rather post ads than sponsored content — the lesser of the two “evils” I suppose!
leslie says
Andrea,
Your blog is one of the best around!! I love that you can do what you love, and still stay at home and take care of your family, too! I have been receiving your blog via email since sweet Nora was a baby! Ads or no ads wouldn’t ever change how much I enjoy and appreciate all that you write! Thank you for being so considerate of your readers! Enjoy the rest of your summer!!
Leslie Q
Andrea says
Thank you, thank you!
Wendy says
The ads don’t bother me. I read for your terrific content.
Andrea says
I appreciate it Wendy!
Brandette Winblad says
We have ad blocker’s installed on our computers so we never see any ad’s on any sites. It is marvelous. Just thought I would mention this because it is another way for readers to continue enjoying your blog without being weighed down by annoying ads.
Andrea says
Thanks for mentioning this! I thought about including it in the post, but I’m not exactly sure how the ad blockers work as we don’t currently use them. Is it something you can just download for your computer? Or do you need to buy a product and have it installed?
Melissa C. says
I don’t mind the ads – your content is well worth the minor hassle of the ads. Keep up the great job!!!
Melissa C. says
And actually, yours is the only blog I read anymore because it’s the only one I’ve found with consistently good information. I’ve been reading since before Simon was born, when Nora was little.
Andrea says
Wow — I’m honored! Thanks so much!
Debbie says
Your blog actually has minimal ads and pop ups than other blogs I visit. I totally appreciate that. The pop ups are so annoying and I don’t know why other bloggers don’t think about this for their readers.
Andrea says
Thanks Debbie — there should be very few (if any) pop ups on my blog. I have the disabled, but I know some have squeaked through on occasion.
Amber woods says
Your ads do not bother me a bit. I’ve been reading your blog for around 7 years. All my friend and family even know who I am talking about when I reference it because they hear me regularly speak about things I’ve read.
Andrea says
this is great — glad your family is in on the action too 🙂
Diana says
So basically what you’re saying is that when we choose not to be bothered by ads or by clicking the little “x” to remove them, we’re paying you. Ha ha ha 🙂 You do a great job and thanks for explaining!
Andrea says
I suppose you’re right! You’re actually “paying” me every time you read anything on my blog — simply viewing a page and scrolling through the post will earn me a few pennies each time!
Nancy says
I’ve been reading your blog since MSM linked to your article on buying and selling your houses on Craig’s List. Like many other commenters, I appreciate your authentic voice and regular schedule. You’re my favorite! As for topic requests, I wonder how an introvert maintains boundaries while covering lifestyle topics.
Andrea says
wow — that was only a few months after I started blogging — we ended up selling our current house and moving to our farmhouse about 5 months after I started my blog. Thanks so much for your long-time readership!
Kellie says
These ads haven’t bothered me a bit! You deserve to be compensated for your time, Andrea! Congrats on tripling your ad revenue!
Andrea says
Thanks Kellie!
Gaynor Williams says
The ads don’t bother me at all. Just keep on doing what you do!
Andrea says
will do! Thanks so much!
Debra Martin says
You deserve to be ‘paid’ for all the good ideas, tips, recipes, etc. The ads aren’t at all intrusive, no worries!
Andrea says
good to know — thanks for your feedback!
Sarah Clews says
I have not had a problem with the ads. In fact, I find your site one of the easiest to navigate. I have been to other blogger’s sites and it’s rife with pop ups and big huge bottom header heads. I spend half my time “x” on all the ads.
I’m so glad your ad revenue has tripled!! 🙂
Andrea says
Oh good — glad it’s simple and easy to find things on my blog — that’s my goal! I should have all pop up ads disabled, I can NOT stand those!
Donna G says
I’ve been a follower since almost forever (Simple Organized Living) and although I am quite a bit older than you, have no children, and live in Florida, the amount of enjoyment and useful information I have gleaned from your site is well worth a few ads that I don’t really pay attention to. The first time I saw a Meijer, I had to go and visit! And we finally got Culver’s down here, and I took my mom and sister (and dog) with me to check it out. Thank goodness it’s a little ways away, or my scale would certainly show it 😉
All that to say, I really enjoy your blog and a few ads aren’t going to make me leave. Thanks for what you do!
Andrea says
yay — this makes me so happy to read!
I’m thrilled you finally got to experience Meijer and Culver’s! Our Culver’s is very close by — but we usually limit ourselves to once a month 🙂
Avia says
One of the reasons I’ve continued to read your blog daily while I’ve stopped reading others is that the content and recommendations feel authentic and not swayed by sponsored posts etc. Honestly, I’m so used to seeing adds on everything I look at that I hardly notice anymore. I love your content and hope you’re able to keep doing things the way you always have and still make a decent living.
Stephanie says
I totally agree with Avia. My thoughts exactly. Long time reader. Your blog is my absolute favorite. Very real. Thank u for sharing your life, Andrea! Also I appreciate that u post daily. I look forward to reading it each morning.
Leah says
I agree completely with this!
Andrea says
Thanks Stephanie 🙂
Andrea says
I’m so happy to hear this — I try really hard to be authentic, and I turn down LOADS of sponsored posts that I know won’t let me be true to myself and my brand.
I wish I could do it without the ads, but I’d rather have ads than sponsored posts!
Alicia says
I love your thorough description of ads! They never bother me either (well, except the every paragraph ads and videos that play automatically). Most blogs have ads. I think it’s great that you’ve found something that works so well for your blog ! Now sponsored posts? Those can be annoying…though yours never are because they seem very genuine. Yours is the only blog I read every day, so that says something . 🙂
Andrea says
are there videos that play automatically on MY site? Those are supposed to be disabled too — I might have to look into the settings again 🙁
That said, thanks so much for your loyal readership (even with potential video ads!)
Alicia says
No, I’ve never seen video ads on yours! Nor have I ever seen the every paragraph ads. I should have been more clear when I said that , that I meant OTHER blogs that have those types of ads! I love your blog, and the ads are very non-intrusive!
Andrea says
oh good — thanks for the clarification!
Chris says
I just have to say, once again, that your blog is my absolute favorite (besides my church blog). I’m glad you are able to make a living doing something that you enjoy. And you are SO GOOD at encouraging your readers. You are so level-headed in your approach to many things. Plus, all the cute kid pictures don’t hurt! I do wonder sometimes when I watch Youtube about all the sponsored content and I appreciate your attitude towards it.
Andrea says
oh thank you Chris! the kids are cute 🙂
lyss says
I agree that ads are just a part of the internet. Sometimes they can be overkill, but I don’t feel that way about your blog. I’ve seen some sites that literally have an ad after every sentence. I don’t stay on those sites. Too much certainly is distracting and makes it hard to read the actual content. Having a few in a blog post is not a big deal.
Another example of “too much” (in my opinion lol!) is pop-up videos. There’s one blog that I’ve clicked to through pinterest on my phone, and it always pops up a video right away and it’s loud and I can’t for the life of me get the window to close quickly. argh. I avoid her blog now. Personally, I don’t mind the “please subscribe” pop-ups some blogs have as you’re leaving the site. It’s not hard to click “no thanks”. But those pop-up videos? Just say NO! lol
Andrea says
yes, I’m not a fan of pop up ads or video ads — they should BOTH be disabled on my site!
Kim says
It hasn’t been a big deal for me. The content I receive is far more valuable than any ads. (I have tried to subscribe directly but it never works. You and I have had this discussion before. Who knows what the deal is? So, I just go to your bookmark Mon. – Fri.)
Keep up the great work!
PS So, did you guys decide not to do phase 2 of the bathroom/laundry room project?
Andrea says
thank you kim — I’m thrilled you find my content valuable!
As for the laundry room — don’t even get me started! 🙂
Seriously though, we still haven’t started — it might have to be a cold-weather project (which we don’t love, but we have no options right now). We can’t get our tile guy and we don’t want to get started without his availability.
My dad will also help us with lots of the finishing work but he and my mom are gone for several weeks this summer. So… we’re waiting, and continually coming up with more, better, and different ideas!
Priyanka says
A few years ago I used to read a good number of blogs. Yours is the only one I read now because there is always something I can extract from these posts. For the amount of time and effort you put for your readers I am glad that the ads can help you monetize better. I do not mind the ads at all!
Andrea says
yay — thank you so much for sticking around!!
Kim says
Your blog is the only one I read, it has great information, and I enjoy your photos. The ads don’t bother me at all. Keep up the good work!
Andrea says
thanks for sharing kim!
Ashley says
I LOVE your blog! While I do miss the days of ad-free reading I do completely understand why you have them and they don’t bother me that much. The ones that do about me are the ones that pop up over your pictures so I can’t see them until the ad is gone! I read on mobile so I’m sure that has something to do with it. I’d much rather see ads above/below the pictures that don’t actually interfere with your content 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Ashley – I do think I’ve been able to successfully eliminate the ads over the photos — although I’m sure a few might sneak through from time to time.
Ashley says
Thinking about it more, it does seem to only happen occasionally so it probably coincides with the “creep” you described!
Andrea says
ok thanks for letting me know!
Donna says
I don’t mind the ads. They’re usually for something I’ve been looking at anyway and sometimes I even click on them. I hope you get paid extra for clicks. I do read your blog daily, sometimes checking in a couple of times a day looking up recipes or whatnot. I really enjoy your blog and I really, really like your “favorite things”. We tried Culvers because of you. We don’t have them here, but saw one on a road trip so we stopped and now we always eat there when we make that trip. I say just keep on with what you’re doing and how you’re doing it cause you’re doing a great job. Thank you!
Andrea says
Well good — glad the ads are sometimes helpful!
I really like writing my Favorite Things post — and I really wish Culver’s would have some type of affiliate program. LOL! I have referred SOOOO many readers to them!!
CindyV says
I have been reading your blog since soon after it started, and way before you had kids. I find that reading on a tablet and zooming in to the blog portion is the perfect read. I like the way the ads are to the side and not between each paragraph. Keep up the great work writing about things that make a better life!
Andrea says
Thank you Cindy! I Do have a mobile version of my site now that automatically zooms in on the paragraph content. It pops up automatically on my phone, not sure about a tablet. I wonder if this would work for you??
Holly Moran says
Ok- I will be the first to say it, I do find the ads annoying…BUT- it doesn’t stop me from reading every single day without fail. A ton of things in life are annoying, you just deal with it. I’m sorry if people have complained so much that you feel you need to explain why you have ads. (Although I think the information you provided was interesting) You are my favorite blogger, you have fun & meaningful content, sprinkled with personal family stuff. It’s like we get to really know you. Put more ads if you need to! It won’t deter me at all! Especially if it allows you to continue to do what you do! How many of us are blessed enough to say that we’ve found a job that works so well for you, and allows you to be with your family, yet benefits thousands of other people/readers? Good for you!! We will just deal with the ads!
Andrea says
You are not the first to say this — I assure you (just take a look at my email inbox!) LOL
They ARE annoying, but I’m happy so many of you are willing to deal with it!
Thank you, thank you!
Melissa says
I love your content. I am happy it is free. I look forward to reading it during the week. Ads are just a part of our world. Sure they pop up more and are more present now that you have Mediavine, but I think that is the point of ads. 🙂 Also, it keeps the reader more alert, so really you are helping us. Thank you!
Andrea says
haha — way to look on the bright side! my ads are just “keeping the readers alert” I like that!
Michelle Bonk says
The ads make perfect sense … and really aren’t all that big of a deal.
Andrea says
glad you aren’t bothered by the ads!
Margo says
Thanks for explaining how rhe ads work. It seems I am in the minority I HATE ads. I never click on ads. I have my internet settings not to track and I use an ad blocker (neither work 100% of the time). I read your blog through an RSS feed, I notice it doesn’t come through every day. I have a slow internet connection so visiting your blog can be a real slog. I am going to subscribe to the email.
Andrea says
No, I do NOT think you are in the minority. I get LOTS of emails from people who really do not like the ads!
I’m very glad you have found a way to read my blog without the ads — I appreciate it a lot!
Ann says
I completely understand the need for the ads. I have trained myself to not pay attention to them. It works so well that when one of my kids is looking over my shoulder when I am reading your blog (or even facebook with the ads down the side) and they ask a question about a picture in an ad, I don’t know what they are talking about because I really don’t “see” them until I specifically look. Our world has advertising everywhere! Train yourself to pay less attention to it!
Andrea says
That’s interesting — but I can relate. Simon once asked what the “video” was on my computer — I was SO confused, until I realized there was a small video playing in the sidebar of an article I was reading. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad that I’ve become somewhat immune to advertisements???
Sonya says
I agree with the other commenters, I’d much rather scroll past a few advertisements than read a lot of sponsored posts. What makes your blog unique is that it’s authentic – not filled with sponsored posts, affiliate links to everything and anything, not following every current trend. Your candid approach and writing style are refreshing for your readers!
Andrea says
I am NOT a trend follower — that is for certain! I never have been and hopefully never will be 🙂
AND… “candid” is one of the words I chose to describe myself when asked for descriptive adjectives at a meeting back in January. I love that you picked up on that through my blog!
Sonya says
Candid is really one of the first words that comes to mind – I’ve been reading your blog ever since I read your article in HGTV magazine way back when! I think I’ve commented something to this effect before this before but it’s worth repeating: your blog is one of two I actually subscribe to and read on a regular basis. Although I’m at a different stage (my kids are 12 and 14) in life than you, I just feel like the content here is really valuable. And clearly by reading these comments, I’m not the only one who feels that way!
LoriB says
Echoing what others have said. After many years, I still love your blog. Have been reading it to my husband while we are on a road trip. He doesn’t share my enthusiasm. It’s nice to understand how the ad side of blogging works. I do read via the reader version sometimes but not always. No ads there and the print is a little bigger which is nice for my aging eyes.
Andrea says
haha — oh my word. I can’t believe you read it out loud to your hubby. It’s definitely more of a female thing — although I do have a small handful of loyal male readers (they got hooked because of their wives — so there’s still hope for your hubby!)
Lee Cockrum says
I have been reading your blog since soon after you had Norah. My demographic is probably a minority here, as I am a woman without kids! (Not at all by choice, but it is what it is.) I find your blog great to read, lots of good suggestions, recipes and ideas. Plus your kids are cute! (To be totally honest, I work with kids, and I think they are all cute!) I did message you once because the adds were covering the photos. That seems to have changed, so I’m fine with scrolling on by.
Andrea says
Thank you Lee! And honestly, I have lots of readers who are quite a bit older than me (several with no children and many as empty-nesters) You probably aren’t as “minority” as you think!
I have hopefully stopped the photo ad issues — I figured out how to disable those a while back (thanks for your thoughts on that too!)
Amy says
I love your blog! It’s my favorite. But of course you can’t work for free!
The ads don’t bother me at all. I just scroll past them. And I agree with the other comments – less annoying than sponsored posts!
Andrea says
thanks for sharing Amy!
Claire says
Glad to see those adds, it means you are being rewarded for all your hard work. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air to me. In a world filled with Kardashian’s be an Andrea Decker.❤️
Kim says
Love your comment and 100% agree!
Andrea says
ok thank you so much !!
Monica says
I don’t mind the ads at all – I just scroll right by and don’t really even notice them. Your blog is the only one I read daily and I appreciate all of your great content, and that you post regularly. I would much rather scroll through ads than have the majority of your posts be sponsored. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Monica! I’ve decided that I don’t really enjoy writing sponsored posts all that much either. Once in a while, for companies I personally use every day is one thing — but every week is completely out of the question for me!
Julie Duff Briddon says
The ads don’t bother me. I can easily scroll past. I love your blog and check in each day. Keep up the great work!
Andrea says
Thanks Julie!
Ann says
I agree totally!
Christi says
Thanks for clarifying how the ads work. In reality, most free blogs I read have similar annoying ads, so I’ve gotten pretty good at ignoring them. I appreciate the alternative, ad-free option you offer: receiving your blog posts via email. I’m glad you’ve found a job you can do at home, so you can be with your kiddos/family.
Andrea says
haha — glad you can scroll past them without too much trouble 🙂
And yes, the email option is always there (and always free!)
Christina says
I love your blog and the ads don’t really bother me. I’d much rather see the ads than read sponsored posts. I never know whether sponsored posts are truthful. Keep up the good work!
Andrea says
Thanks Christina, I’d also much rather show ads than write sponsored posts! I appreciate your encouragement!
Meghan says
Andrea, I really don’t notice the ads. This post I did because you kept mentioning ads, but I easily scroll past them. The only ads that really bother me are ones that are a video that takes a long time to load and is not easy to close. Don’t use those! I think it’s awesome you can make a living with your blog. Anyone who complains too much might be a little envious. I know I am until I think about how I wouldn’t be comfortable posting about my personal life, but that’s just my preference.
Andrea says
Thanks Meghan! I’m not sure if people are really envious — maybe?? I think they are more just “annoyed” because I didn’t used to have ads within the content of the post and now I do. Change is hard for people — especially change that isn’t always for the better 🙂
Shelley says
This is a great post, it’s so clear you’ve chosen the right route for you and your bog. I personally don’t mind the ads at all. I barely even notice them!
That said, do you get paid any more if we click on the ads? I’d be happy to give a couple of clicks when I’m reading through if that would earn you a bit more.
I love your blog, and appreciate that you’re not on the hard sell all the time. If clicking a few ads would be beneficial, I’d be happy to help you keep doing what you do 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks so much Shelley!
And such a nice offer, but don’t worry about clicking on the ads (unless it’s actually something you’re interested in learning more about). I really don’t know exactly how the algorithms work, but I believe my income is simply tied to “impressions” — so the more people who SEE the ads, the better (for me!)
Sarah says
Oh that’s interesting – I wondered if actual clicks were needed or not too!
Agree with the majority of comments, ads are no bother and sometimes they catch my eye in a good way. If it’s working for you Andrea then keep it up! 🙂
CCWeaver says
If you visit any site that has a Facebook Like Button, it automatically siphons off your information (IP address etc.) to the Facebook servers to collect and analyze. You don’t have to click that button. At least it is like this in Europe, where I am. Can’t imagine it’s much different in the US. I don’t like my info handled so recklessly, so I have as far as possible disabled this particular button so as to be able to read sites with quality content like this one. I just don’t like Facebook, I don’t like them having any info about me especially since I don’t even participate in the site.
As of yesterday, the highest EU court has forbidden this practice to protect customer. Legislation will follow. Let’s see how it turns out.