Ever wondered how to monetize your own website or blog?

If you've ever wondered how to monetize your own website or blog, I can tell you it's not that hard to do but you do have to follow a few basic steps. First, you have to have a website or blog of your own that you would like to place your affiliate link on. Next, you need to start an affiliate account with another website you would like to associate yourself with, say Amazon.com's Associates Program or Google's AdSense affiliate program. You then have to create links from that site to yours with a widget or a program that you can copy HTML code from and paste into your own HTML editor to create an ad or something that someone might click on to buy something. For example, I've created a widget on my blog of best selling musical instruments. Basically, if someone clicks on this ad above and buys something, ideally Amazon will give me a small percentage of the total purchase.

Unfortunately, though, for those of us that live in Illinois, there is an unconstitutional law on the books trying to tax online affiliate profits....therefore Amazon has discontinued the Amazon Affiliates program for Illinois residents. Here is a copy of an e-mail explaining in their words:

"Greetings from the Amazon Associates Program: We regret to inform you that the Illinois state legislature has passed an unconstitutional tax collection scheme that, if signed by Governor Quinn, would leave Amazon.com little choice but to end its relationships with Illinois-based Associates. You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of Illinois. If our records are incorrect, you can manage the details of your Associates account here. Please note that this not an immediate termination notice and you are still a valued participant in the Amazon Associates Program. But if the governor signs this bill, we will need to terminate the participation of all Illinois residents in the Associates Program. After that point, we will no longer pay any advertising fees for sales referred to amazon.com, endless.com and smallparts.com nor will we accept new applications for the Associates Program from Illinois residents. The unfortunate consequences of this legislation on Illinois residents like you were explained to the legislature, including Senate and House leadership, as well as to the governor's staff. Over a dozen other states have considered essentially identical legislation but have rejected these proposals largely because of the adverse impact on their states' residents. Governor Quinn's office may be reached here. We thank you for being part of the Amazon Associates Program, and wish you continued success in the future. Sincerely,Amazon.com"

If you have any questions or you would like me to help you monetize your own business website please email me at karleneanderson7806@yahoo.com

I do still have my own personal Amazon.com store where I sell my own items that I put up online at http://www.amazon.com/shops/KarleneAnderson

Thanks!