Is a Blog Side Hustle Unprofitable? Explaining 5 Reasons Why You Can't Monetize and Their Solutions

I want to start a side hustle for my future, but I feel like it's already too late to start now.

I hear about blog side hustles often, but I've also heard rumors that you can't make money anymore, so I'm a bit anxious...

Are you sitting in front of your computer sighing like this?

Hello, I'm Satomi Fujii, a gentle side hustle navigator for those in their 50s and beyond.

Until a few years ago, I was an extremely analog office worker who was even shaky at 'copy and paste' on a computer.

I thought the internet world was scary, and I had given up, thinking I had no talent at all.

Even so, out of anxiety about my future life, I made a resolution to gather information, and as I practiced little by little, I realized something.

That is, 'it is never too late to start now'.

And that there is actually a very clear reason why people say 'blog side hustles are not profitable'.

If you can't make money even if you start a blog now, it's natural to not want to try from the beginning, right?

I understand the feeling of not wanting to waste your precious time all too well.

But please rest assured.

There are 'five specific reasons' why blogs are said to be unprofitable, and if you know them in advance and choose the right solutions, even a beginner in their 50s can pave their own way at their own pace.

It's just like how even a dish you're making for the first time will turn out delicious if you have the right recipe and tools.

This time, for those of you who are hesitating because it seems 'difficult' just like I once was, I will gently unravel the basics of a blog side hustle without using any difficult technical terms.

Please relax and read on, as if we were chatting over tea with a neighbor.

First, let's look together at the real reason why rumors like 'blogs are no longer profitable' are spreading.

The real reason why it is said that 'blog side hustles are no longer profitable'

When you search on the internet, you see the phrase "blog side hustle unprofitable" a lot, don't you?

Seeing this might make you hesitate, thinking, "I guess it's reckless to start now after all."

However, from my perspective, having researched a great deal of information from a neutral standpoint, there is a slight misunderstanding in this rumor.

To be precise, the truth is that "it has become impossible to earn money just by writing random sentences like in the past."

Until a while ago, there was an era where just writing articles about celebrity news or your own diary on a blog would gather a decent number of people and lead to revenue.

It was like an era where you could catch fish just by casting a fishing line randomly into a pond where no one had caught fish yet.

However, now the number of people trying their hand at blogging has increased, and there are more anglers than there are fish in the pond.

Furthermore, the internet's mechanisms (search engines like Google) have become very smart, and "articles that are not useful to readers" have been pushed away to places where no one goes.

That is why people who started fishing "their own way" without thinking about anything are raising their voices and leaving, saying, "I can't catch anything!" or "A blog side hustle is unprofitable!"

In other words, it is not that "the blog mechanism itself has become bad," but rather that "people who are doing it the wrong way are the ones who can't earn money."

If you cast your fishing line in the right place, with the right bait, and in the right way, it is entirely possible to achieve results steadily even starting now.

Especially for us in our 50s, we have irreplaceable, great weapons: the "deep experience" and "ability to empathize with people's worries" that we have cultivated throughout our lives.

If you can master those weapons in the right way, blogging is by no means an "unprofitable side hustle."

So, what specific methods lead to falling into an "unprofitable state"?

Let's take a detailed look at the five causes that beginners unknowingly step into.

5 Reasons Why Beginners in Their 50s Can't Earn Money with a Blog Side Hustle

I myself experienced a lot of detours and confusion in the beginning.

I have lost count of how many times I felt depressed, thinking, "I'm facing the computer every day, but no one is looking..."

That is exactly why I understand all too well where beginners around their 50s tend to stumble.

People who cannot earn money with a blog side hustle actually have five very common "causes."

As you are about to start, please check these points as if you were marking pitfalls on a map so you don't fall into them.

Cause 1: It has become a 'mere diary' that doesn't solve the reader's problems

The most common cause is turning a blog into a 'diary for writing about your daily life'.

This includes content like 'I ate delicious pancakes at a local cafe today' or 'The weather was nice yesterday and it felt great'.

Of course, this is wonderful practice for writing, and I think it is fun to write.

However, if you are not a celebrity or an idol, unfortunately, there are almost no people who are interested in the daily lives of strangers.

When readers search on the internet, it is because they have something they 'want to know' or a 'problem they want to solve'.

For example, if a reader is looking for 'information on delicious pancake shops,' they want to know the location of the shop, whether there is parking, busy hours, prices, and so on.

Even so, just having impressions like 'it was delicious, it was fun' does not solve the reader's problem.

Earning income from a blog means becoming a 'kind information center that solves the reader's troubles'.

If it remains a diary, it will never lead to monetization no matter how much time passes.

Cause 2: Seeking results too quickly and quitting before the sprouts appear

The second cause is a misunderstanding regarding the length of time.

There are many people who give up, saying, 'I haven't earned a single yen even though a month has passed since I started my blog, so it's not for me'.

However, a blog side-hustle is not something where 'hours worked = that day's pay' like a part-time job.

It is like 'vegetable gardening or gardening' where you plow wasteland, sow seeds, and diligently water them every day to grow them.

Due to the nature of the internet, it inevitably takes several months from sowing the seeds until the sprouts appear.

It is a great waste to stop watering just because 'no sprouts have appeared' while the seeds are still working hard to take root in the soil, isn't it?

Seeking immediate cash is actually the biggest cause of failure.

Cause 3: Choosing the wrong place (genre) to compete in

The third reason is a mistake in "genre selection," or choosing which theme to write your articles about.

For example, in genres like health, medicine, law, and finance (such as investments and taxes), websites run by experts, the government, and large corporations hold significant power.

No matter how good the articles we individuals write are, we cannot beat large corporations in terms of credibility, and we won't be displayed in places where people will see us when they search.

This is like trying to compete for customers by setting up a small, unprepared individual shop right next to a large shopping mall or a famous department store.

In this situation, no matter how hard you try, it is difficult to win, isn't it?

If an individual beginner chooses the wrong place to compete, it leads to the sad result that no matter how much time you spend, your efforts will not be rewarded.

Reason 4: The focus is on "talking about yourself" rather than the reader's perspective

The fourth reason is that your writing ends up being only about "what you want to say."

For example, when you want to introduce a recommended health product, you might push your own enthusiasm too hard, saying things like, "This is my absolute favorite, and the design is just wonderful! You definitely have to buy it!"

This makes the reader feel a bit put off.

What readers really want to know is objective information, such as "How will my life improve if I use this?", "Is it suitable for a body like mine in my 50s?", or "Are there any drawbacks or difficult parts to using it?"

You must convey not only the benefits of the product but also the points of caution and "who it is not suitable for" without hiding anything.

Without such an honest attitude, you cannot gain the trust of your readers, and you cannot connect that to revenue.

Reason 5: Not learning the right way and staying lost in "doing it your own way"

The last one is the most deep-seated problem. It is "continuing to do things based only on your own assumptions without learning the correct methods."

The internet is overflowing with information, but it also contains outdated information that is no longer useful and know-how that only applies to a select few.

Patching together such information and proceeding in your own way is like climbing a mountain for the first time without a compass or a map.

When I was still shaky with computer operations, I relied only on fragmented information I could get for free, and I ended up taking a detour for months.

Because you don't understand "why it's not working" yourself, you end up repeating the same mistakes over and over.

Having the right criteria for judgment and proceeding while checking your own position is, in the end, the shortest path to success.

Escape from 'Not Making Money'! Solutions and Tips for Beginners to Monetize

So far, I have shared five reasons why you might not be making money.

Perhaps you are feeling anxious, thinking, 'This seems difficult... maybe it's impossible for me after all.'

But it's okay. Once you know the causes, the solutions are very simple.

You just need to carefully do the opposite of the five causes mentioned earlier.

From here on, let's unravel the 'concrete tips and solutions' for us beginners of the same generation to monetize our blogs at our own pace without strain.

Solution 1: Write articles as if it were a 'Reader's Consultation Room'

When writing a blog, try to specifically imagine 'one person who is troubled' on the other side of the computer screen.

For example, imagine a friend of your generation who is worried, saying, 'Lately, my sleep has been shallow and mornings are tough...'

Write your text with the feeling of giving sincere advice to that friend, such as, 'I tried this and it made things a little easier,' or 'There is this convenient item, but be careful because this part is a bit hard to use.'

This is the 'reader's perspective' in blogging.

Transform your blog from a diary where you write what you want to say into an information center that solves the 'troubles' of your readers.

This is the most important first step toward monetization.

Solution 2: Decide that at least half a year is a 'nurturing period' and don't rush

A blog will not generate income today or tomorrow.

That is why it is important to accept from the start that 'the first six months are a period to carefully build the foundation of your shop.'

Decide on a pace that is comfortable for your life, such as opening your computer only on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

There is absolutely no need to rush because of the optimistic words or exaggerated expressions of those around you, such as 'I earned XX amount in one month!'

Many of those flashy words are either special cases or sometimes contain exaggerations.

Try approaching your blog at your own pace, planting seeds little by little every day, and nurturing the tree with patience.

Consistency itself becomes your greatest strength in setting yourself apart from the competition.

Solution 3: Compete in areas where your 'experience and strengths' as someone in their 50s can shine.

The genres we should choose are those involving minor, 'everyday personal concerns' that large corporations and experts don't bother entering.

For example, 'balancing caring for aging parents with your own life in your 50s,' 'smart ways to choose kitchen tools learned through years of use,' or 'tips for enjoying balcony gardening within reasonable limits.'

These are excellent themes that are difficult for large companies to penetrate, and where you, as an 'individual' with real experience, can gain deep empathy.

As people in our 50s, we have lived longer than younger people, so we have experienced many 'stumbles' and 'detours,' haven't we?

Those past struggles are exactly what become the most valuable information for those who will follow the same path after us.

Your life experience to date will become a valuable asset for your blog just as it is.

Solution 4: Honestly convey 'points of caution' as well as benefits.

For readers to trust your blog and try the products or services you introduce, 'sincerity' is more important than anything else.

Strong language that only lists the good points, such as 'This is definitely a great deal!' or 'This is a 100% foolproof method!', will only make people suspicious.

'This product is very easy to use, but it might be a little heavy, so your arms could get tired.'

'This method can keep costs down, but it takes more time to prepare.'

In this way, convey the disadvantages, effort, and points of caution without hiding anything, based on objective facts.

On top of that, provide gentle guidance by saying, 'That is why I recommend it for this type of person.'

Just like a friendly neighbor telling you the honest truth, saying 'The vegetables at that supermarket are cheap, but the meat is a bit pricey,' such highly transparent communication becomes the catalyst for creating fans.

Solution 5: First, learn objective and correct information broadly.

And above all, what is most important is to learn the correct overall picture of side hustles from an objective perspective before rushing ahead with your own way of doing things.

There is no need to be convinced that 'blogging is the only absolute correct answer.'

Beyond blogging, there are various side hustle options in the world, such as investing and product sales.

It is important to research and compare them broadly, considering not only their respective merits but also the necessary effort and risks involved.

"Is blogging really right for me right now?" "Is there another method I can continue without strain?"

By taking a step forward with conviction after having such correct information to base your judgment on, your anxiety will disappear, and you will be less likely to give up halfway.

[Success Story] A model case of someone who took a step forward in their 50s and monetized at their own pace

"I understand it in my head, but can a truly analog person in their 50s really do it?"

To answer that question, I would like to introduce a model case of a woman in her 50s (let's call her Ms. A) who, like me, took a step forward from a state of having no confidence in computers.

Ms. A had been a full-time housewife for many years, busy with housework and childcare, and was such a beginner that she "only opened the computer when making a New Year's card address book."

After her children became independent, she became interested in a side hustle to help with her future living expenses, but she was worried, thinking, "There is nothing I can do at this point."

What Ms. A started was a small blog about her beloved "balcony gardening."

At first, it was on the verge of becoming just a home gardening diary, but she learned the correct way to write a blog and began incorporating a "perspective of solving readers' problems."

For example,

"Tips for growing tomatoes without letting them wither, even on a balcony of an apartment with poor sunlight"

"Comparison and how to choose light soil and planters that do not put a strain on the lower back of someone in their 50s"

She began to write carefully with photos about experiences she actually struggled with, devised solutions for, and overcame.

Furthermore, when introducing recommended tools, she honestly conveyed the points of caution without hiding anything, saying, "These scissors have excellent sharpness, but they might be a little difficult to grip for a woman with small hands."

Of course, for the first three months or so, there was little traffic and zero revenue.

Even so, Ms. A did not rush, thinking, "Just like growing plants, blogging takes time," and continued to accumulate articles at a pace of about twice a week.

Then, after half a year had passed, the number of people visiting Ms. A's blog through "searches" gradually increased.

Comments of gratitude arrived, such as "Thanks to Ms. A's honest review, I was able to buy a planter that suits me!" and products began to sell through referrals from the blog, and revenue started to be generated little by little.

Now, I am able to create a little extra room in my household budget every month while maintaining my own pace.

Person A did not have any special talent.

Results followed precisely because they researched information within their own capabilities and patiently, steadily nurtured sincere articles that resonated with their readers.

Just like me and Person A in the past, everyone starts as a "beginner" when taking that first step.

You, too, surely have your own unique, shining experiences and wisdom that can be useful to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Answering questions about blog side hustles in your 50s

Having read this far, you may still have some lingering minor questions or anxieties.

Here, I will gently answer the questions I frequently receive from people of my generation.

Q1. Can I start a blog even if my typing speed is slow?

Yes, that is absolutely no problem at all.

There are many people who started out by slowly pressing keys while looking at the keyboard.

Blogging is not a test where you compete for speed.

It is fine to type little by little at your own pace, and your hands will naturally get used to it as you continue.

Recently, there is also a convenient method of using voice input on a smartphone to draft sentences as if you were just chatting, so please rest assured.

Q2. Do I have to work for many hours every day?

No, that is not the case at all.

Most people continue working steadily for about 30 minutes to an hour a day while balancing housework, their main job, and health management.

You can also break down your work into small pieces, such as "today I will only think about the article title" or "today I will only write two headings."

What is important is not to push yourself to the point of collapse by working for hours every day, but to continue at your own pace, thin and long.

Q3. Can I start for free without spending any money?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to try it out without spending money by using a free blog service.

If you want to get used to writing first or check if it suits your pace, starting for free is a wise choice.

However, if you are aiming for serious monetization and want to grow your blog as your own "asset," the common method is to have your own blog (such as WordPress) for around 1,000 yen per month.

There is no single method that is absolutely correct, so please choose objectively based on your own goals and budget.

Q4. Is it really not too late for me to start at my age?

"It is never too late to start." This is the belief I most want to convey to you.

There is a depth of life, kindness, and empathy that can only be written because you are in your 50s.

Even if you don't have the speed or the ability to chase trends like young people, writing that carefully addresses the concerns of your own generation is a weapon that only we who have aged can wield.

Today is the youngest day of the rest of your life. The moment you feel like taking on a challenge is the perfect time to start.

Summary: Let's sow seeds for the future at our own pace without rushing

This time, I have shared the reasons why it is said that "blog side hustles are not profitable," the five causes that we beginners often stumble over, and their solutions.

It has been a bit long, but thank you very much for reading until the end.

Let's look back at the important points I wanted to convey one last time.

• It is not that "blogging itself is unprofitable," but rather that people who use "self-taught methods lacking a reader-first perspective" are the ones failing to earn.

• Instead of writing a diary, become a "helpful information center" that solves the problems of your readers.

• Do not seek immediate results; decide to treat it as a period of careful cultivation for six months to a year, just like growing vegetables or plants.

• Choose a genre of familiar concerns where your "experience and strengths" from your 50s can be utilized.

• Honest and highly transparent communication that conveys not only the benefits but also the points of caution and effort creates trust.

• Most importantly, before getting lost in self-taught methods, learn a wide range of objective and correct information before making decisions.

I used to think that the internet world was a scary place.

There was a time when I closed myself off, thinking, "This is just a world where only special, talented people succeed, right?"

However, as I carefully researched things one by one and practiced them little by little at my own pace, I realized that on the other side of the internet, there are "flesh-and-blood human beings" just like me, struggling and seeking help.

A side hustle should not be something that corners you.

It is a means to ease your anxiety about the future, even if just a little, and to bring warm comfort to your life ahead.

That is precisely why it is more important than anything else to calmly compare and choose methods that suit you, rather than blindly believing what others say and pushing yourself too hard.

If you move forward at your own pace, convincing yourself one step at a time, it is never too late.

I would be overjoyed if this blog could serve as a small guidepost for you to let go of your anxiety and take a new step forward at your own pace.

May your future be filled with more kindness and gentle comfort than it is now.

With heartfelt support.

[List of Information Sources and References]
This article is based on the author's (Satomi Fujii) actual confusion and experiences when starting a side hustle as a former analog office worker, basic knowledge of blog operation and web marketing available to the public, and objective information regarding internet publishing and side hustles recommended by various public institutions. When engaging in side hustles or internet business, please understand that results and earnings vary by individual, and proceed at your own judgment and responsibility after carefully considering the risks and efforts involved.

・Consumer Affairs Agency "Alerts regarding troubles related to internet mail order, side hustles, and side jobs"
https://www.caa.go.jp/
*When starting a side hustle, it is considered important to have calm judgment criteria without being misled by exaggerated advertisements such as "guaranteed earnings" or "zero risk," or by groundless definitive expressions.

・Google Search Central "Guidelines for creating helpful, reliable, people-first content (E-E-A-T)"
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content?hl=ja
*For web content such as blogs, the system is designed to evaluate pages that possess Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness based on objective, primary information that solves readers' questions and concerns, rather than pages focused on manipulating search rankings or self-satisfying diaries.