Case Study 👉 How YOU Can Make $11K Monthly With a Travel Blog

The Scott Max Newsletter

In Partnership with Semrush

Hi 👋, this is the Scott Max newsletter. The daily newsletter bringing you one step closer to your own thriving online business. 

We analyze a wonderful, small, online business each week with a full breakdown of how it makes money, why it makes money, and its opportunities to grow. Below that, we give you the action steps to build a business like this to create freedom for yourself.

This is the best way to learn the tactics, skillset, and nuance of making money online.

Let’s get to the good stuff you'll see in this email:

• A monthly income of $11K/Mo

• An engaging "about" page

• A roadmap to build your own venture

But first, let me introduce our partner for this email,

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What does this online business do? 🚀

In today's exploration, we're delving into the dynamic realm of a flourishing travel blog that's been making waves in the digital landscape.

This hidden gem, raking in an impressive $11,000 in monthly revenue, is renowned for its exceptional content quality and captivating storytelling.

Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this travel haven's success and dissect the elements that contribute to its financial triumph.

The destination is set, and the journey promises to be as enriching as the blog itself.

Stick around for the unraveling of this digital adventure!

How does this online business make money? 💻

Let's take a closer look at the money-making magic behind our travel blog's success.

They've got a straightforward formula: ads, affiliate, and sponsored posts.

First up, those ads you see on the site?

They're not just for show, they're a cash flow booster.

Every click and view adds up, making the blog not just a visual treat but a profitable one too.

Now, enter the world of affiliate marketing.

When you click on a recommendation and buy something, the blog gets a little something in return.

It's a win-win, they guide you to cool stuff, and they earn a little extra on the side.

But there's more. Ever read a post that mentions a brand or product?

Chances are, that's a sponsored post.

Brands pay the blog to weave their tales into the travel adventures, turning genuine experiences into a source of income.

So, there you have it, a trio of strategies that turns this travel blog's passion into a financial journey.

Stay with us as we unpack the details of these savvy money moves!

What has this business done well?🔥

The heartbeat of this travel blog's success echoes mainly through its commitment to two key pillars: content quality and a savvy SEO game.

Let's unpack the secrets behind their triumph.

First and foremost, content reigns supreme.

This blog isn't just throwing words on a page; it's crafting narratives that transport readers.

The secret sauce? Quality.

Each piece is a journey in itself, a testament to the meticulous attention invested in creating a captivating tapestry of travel tales.

And it shows in the numbers, over 37,000 monthly visitors soaking in the stories, with a keyword arsenal of more than 78,000.

Why does this matter? It means the blog isn't just a pit stop; it's a destination for those seeking valuable information.

Zoom into the digital map, and you'll notice a significant chunk of their traffic hails from the US.

Why is US traffic coveted? Well, it's like having the VIPs of the internet world.

US-based traffic often translates to a higher likelihood of conversions. Advertisers love it, and so does the blog's bottom line.

Speaking of engagement, let's talk Instagram.

With over 50,000 subscribers, the blog is striking gold with personal branding.

It adds a human touch, turning a faceless blog into a personal journey.

The pros? It builds a connection, a loyal following invested in the person behind the adventures.

The cons? Well, it's a double-edged sword. While personal branding adds authenticity, it also ties the blog's fate to the individual.

A balance worth navigating.

Now, design.

A solid 7.5/10, a testament to simplicity and navigational finesse.

The use of multiple colors for CTA buttons might seem a bit rebellious, but it serves a purpose.

They stand out, inviting clicks and engagement. It's a calculated risk that pays off in user interaction.

But what about their special “About” page, or should we say, "My Story" as they called it?

It's not just a page; it's an experience.

Visitors don't just learn about the blog; they delve into the life of the owner.

It's a personalized journey, complete with a timeline of key events.

This approach is a masterstroke, it adds depth, making the blog not just a travel guide but a personal odyssey.

And finally, a healthy blog is a successful blog.

It's not just about what's visible; it's about the backend, the technical prowess ensuring a smooth ride for every visitor.

The Blog got a solid 83% on the Semrush health scale speaks volumes.

Utilize our exclusive 14-day extended Semrush free trial to perform identical analyses on your blog and ensure impeccable technical SEO.

What this business could improve?🔥🔥🔥

Despite the business's commendable performance, it is evident that there exist several untapped opportunities that can be harnessed to their advantage:

Revamp the Email Game:

The email subscription form is the gateway to a loyal community, but it needs a makeover.

How about enticing visitors with a free, exclusive travel checklist or a captivating e-book, like "The Ultimate Travel Hacks Guide"?

And there's a glitch, the newsletter subscription button that leads to nowhere.

Fixing it could mean unlocking a treasure trove of potential subscribers.

Diversify with Digital Products:

The blog has conquered the art of storytelling; why not turn those tales into digital treasures?

They should consider crafting and selling themed digital products like "Adventure Photo Packs" or "Destination Planning Templates".

These low-effort, high-value products not only add a new revenue stream but also cater to an audience hungry for tangible takeaways from their favorite travel blog.

Optimize SEO for the Stars:

Sure, the blog's SEO game is strong, but there's always room to soar higher.

A little SEO tune-up could mean reaching new heights in visibility and traffic.

We've taken a deep dive into blogs that receive over 100K monthly traffic before, so we're pretty confident that this business can definitely boost its performance.

Semrush has laid out a roadmap for improvement:

Make sure to carry out these steps on your own site; kick things off with a free trial of Semrush.

The Reveal, check this online business out for yourself 👀

Get ready to meet the trailblazer extraordinaire behind the scenes, none other than Kimmie Conner, the visionary force steering the captivating journey of Adventures & Sunsets!

A California native turned global nomad since 2015, Kimmie Conner embodies the spirit of adventure.

Her mission is simple yet profound: live life to the fullest and inspire others to follow suit.

Choosing a path less trodden, Kimmie, armed with dual citizenship (USA/UK), made the leap from the sunny shores of California to the bustling streets of London after university.

What ensued was a remarkable expedition, an exploration that led her to become a tour guide, navigating sailing tours in Croatia for three unforgettable summers.

Between sailing adventures, Kimmie crisscrossed Southeast Asia, worked on Australian farms, and embarked on an eye-opening African journey spanning seven countries.

Throughout these escapades, she meticulously crafted her blog, refined her skills, and embraced a plethora of jobs, evolving into a seasoned travel blogger and content creator.

Today, we unveil Kimmie Conner, the soul behind Adventures & Sunsets, a storyteller, explorer, and inspiration for those seeking a life beyond the ordinary.

Let's applaud the force driving this extraordinary travel blog!

The Takeaway, What We Learned 🎓

• Prioritize Content Quality: Success hinges on delivering high-quality content that captivates and provides real value to your audience.

• Leverage Data: Understand your numbers, monthly visitors, keyword targeting, to gauge your blog's impact and relevance.

• US Traffic Boosts Conversions (optional): Targeting US-based traffic can significantly increase your chances of conversions, appealing to both readers and advertisers.

• Instagram Personal Branding: Build a personal connection with your audience through platforms like Instagram, using personal branding to add authenticity.

• Strategic Design Matters: Aim for a balanced design, incorporating vibrant colors strategically to enhance user engagement and interaction.

• Craft a Personalized About Page: Go beyond a standard "About" page; create an immersive experience that adds depth to your brand identity.

• Ensure Technical Health: A healthy blog goes beyond aesthetics; prioritize technical health to guarantee a smooth user experience.

• Revamp Email Strategy: Enhance your email subscription process, offering compelling incentives and fixing any glitches to boost your subscriber base.

• Diversify Revenue Streams: Explore opportunities for additional income by converting your storytelling skills into digital products.

• Optimize SEO for Growth: Continuously fine-tune your SEO strategy based on data and suggestions, aiming for increased visibility and traffic to fuel growth.

Action Steps if you’d like to start a business like this… 👩‍💻

If you’re already up and running with an online business, keep with it and try to implement some of the lessons you might have found in this email.

If not, I very highly recommend our free course in digital marketing & business at Max Business School.

You’ll learn all the fundamental skill to build an online income like the one we did a case study on in this email.

Here’s what to expect:

Week 1 - Fundamentals

In this week, you will establish a solid digital marketing foundation. The focus will be on personal branding, but the concepts apply to other business models as well. You will explore:

• WordPress Website Development: Learn to create a professional and user-friendly website using WordPress, a powerful and widely-used platform for various online businesses.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Understand the basics of SEO to increase online visibility and attract organic traffic to their websites.

• Web Analytics: Discover how to analyze website data using tools like Google Analytics to gain valuable insights into user behavior and make data-driven decisions.

Week 2 - How to start a business

In this week you will delve into expanding the online presence and driving traffic to your website. You will get to learn about:

• Email Marketing: Understand the importance of building an email list and learn effective email marketing strategies to nurture leads and convert them into customers.

• Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Dive into the world of paid advertising and explore techniques to run successful ad campaigns on search engines like Google.

Week 3 - How to grow a business

The final week will focus on harnessing the power of social media platforms for business growth. You will discover:

• Social Media Marketing: Discover how to develop and implement social media strategies to engage with the target audience and build brand loyalty.

• Facebook and Instagram Ads: Explore advanced advertising techniques on these popular platforms to reach a wider audience and generate leads.

Get started now 

Before You Go 👋

Thank you for reading.

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Bye for now,

Scott Max